First, unknown costs.

She is repaid an unknown amount every month with no guarantee.

NO. 2014-CV-125 [name], [name] F/K/A [name] and ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF [dead person's name] DEFENDANT ORDER OF PUBLICATION In this action, it appearing to the satisfaction of the Clerk and Master, from the Plaintiff's Complaint which is sworn to that the whereabouts of ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF [dead person's name]., individually are unknown and cannot be ascertained after diligent search and inquiry so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon them.

I don't do run down areas or ancient homes with tons of unknowns...good luck with your search!

That is speculating on the unknown.

Also ignore inflation and it's even worse as you can't reasonably estimate this unknown.

I'm not leaving slim enough margins to worry about unknown repairs and this isn't my first purchase.  

I try to take away the unknown as much as possible, as fear really is our greatest enemy!

Second, the judge looks into their finance and see they don't have anything or much, and may give you the win, but a much less amount to give them a chance not to be homeless or whatever it may be (this really depends on the laws of your state and the judge, too many unknowns IMO to gamble).

Some times a buy and hold investor can deal with the poor numbers when buying off the metro MLS,,, as long as 6-9% cap rate is ok for you and not knowing the location, an unknown cost of managing tenants.My best tip for you as a remote buyer is;  only buy where the house is cute, lower rehab cost of $15k or less in an ok neighborhood (eyeball and driving around)  and the high school great schools rating is 5 or better.