I am in the low 800s and don't know of any tangible benefits to be at 800+.

I've never heard the 25% thing before, but any difference between FMV and sales price would technically be considered a "gift" with potential tax implications for your parents.You can avoid most seller costs as there's no reason to use agents in this case.As an FYI: I always recommend avoiding a FHA loan, if you qualify for a low-down payment conventional loan.

Because the existing house was too low the developer followed the rough location of the old sewer line and installed a new sewer line to connect to the existing house. 

I have a good amount in savings, and as a first-time homebuyer, I believe I can lock in a low interest rate.

I have very low bills though, so I could save $12k in about a year.All the MHs I looked at were in parks.

Low down payment with potential for huge rent increase year over year making house hacking very advantageous in New Jersey.

Conversely, when property prices are low, rental demand decreases, causing rental rates to remain relatively flat or fall.How can you identify cities that are likely to have significant and sustained appreciation and rent growth?

@Bonnie Low Thanks Bonnie!

While this amount of evictions seems higher than normal, even for a rough area, in general low end areas = fewer qualified tenants = more tenant fraud and more consistent evictions.

If you choose an area or decide to work with people who will take up more time due to the low cost of entry, you may end up paying more in the long run.