I've used an online designer before, you send her photos, measurements of the room and existing furniture, and your budget and she presents you with design options and the links to buy!

There are also a lot of different options in real estate to single family residential, multifamily, commercial, NNN and then being on the debt side of being the lender which has cash flow but not appreciation. 

This a great option for high income earners who simply do not have the time for real estate.

By exploring options for cost-effective utility usage, such as installing low-flow fixtures and implementing irrigation systems, we can significantly save on water expenses.To keep things running like a well-oiled machine, you’ve got to have a rock-solid asset management plan.

And the really messed up ones, they don't even give a landlord an option, per fine print in contract, they just go out and do whatever and send a bill after the fact. 

The fact that she is elderly and living alone does make me pause and consider what other options there may be which is what brings me here.

Your post about summarizes what I figured my best options are. 

That really isn't good enough in our opinion.Another option for you is if your property is in a realtively safe area, to install a wi-fi connected smart lock.

Cash for keys is a good option but it depends how much they owe.

With the newer 5% down conventional loan for owner-occupied multifamily option, I generally advise people to start analyzing from there if they want to house hack a multifamily with minimal down.