Meanwhile, there is a fully restored triplex  a few streets down for 699k.

I spoke to one gentleman last week who made it clear he was a "restoration company" not a flipper.

if power has been off for year or longer, power company may require a thoroughinspection by an electrical contractor before restoring power 

Food is an obvious suggestionVape/Smoke shop Massage(we have lots and lots are near gaming parlors)Acupuncture A mini mart.

The biggest hit points you need to know walking into the conversation:Your DTI (debt to income ratio)Your general credit scoreThe type of property you're going to be purchasing#1: Your total debt will show up on the hard credit pull they do when you apply for a mortgage, don't try to massage the numbers here.

I'm in it to restore cities and families one house at at time.  

I’m in Austin and flip fire-damaged properties (I also own a fire restoration company).

Has anyone done business with this company for fire/smoke mitigation? Reviews seem negative but that tends to be biased with only people who have a bad experience. I have smoke/water damage due to a fire in a neighbor...

I would also shy away from doing things that require massaging information to a lender.You mentioned that she owns the property outright.

Generally speaking, compensatory damages for physical injury or property damage are not taxable--the theory being that you are simply having your situation restored (compensated) to where it was prior to you being wronged.