Phoenix contains a rare combination of elements that have created an outstanding market for distressed property investments, including the following:Cost Savings: Distressed properties are sold below their market value and enable investors to take hold of properties at a trifle compared to traditionally listed properties.Strong Market Fundamentals: Being among the fastest-growing cities in the country, Phoenix ensures a high demand in housing and rentals, hence good potential for resale or income from rentals.Value Creation Opportunities: Most distressed properties need renovations; thus, such situations present opportunities for investors to increase equity by adding value.Population and Economic Growth: Phoenix remains among those cities in the country which are attracting more and more residents and business; therefore, this presents good, long-term appreciation possibilities of property appreciation and income creation.Challenges to ConsiderWhile the rewards can be great, distressed property investment is not without its challenges.

•What challenges have you faced with existing platforms?

Challenges?

If it is last rental rate charged, then you may have to get creative to accomplish what you want to while still working within the law.Here's an idea to explore.....If it is a 10% increase over the last rental rate you charged, consider using a step pricing lease if allowed by your state. 

The second challenge would be finding land in a decent enough area where building a rental makes sense.

However, this has to be the primary residence of everyone on title in order to qualify and even if that were all true, we're still only up to $1M that way.I agree with the other commenters, the parents should continue to own it and live in it as their primary, leave it to the daughter when they pass, and she inherits it at the stepped up cost basis. 

Challenges?

Whether these factors outweigh the challenges is a personal decision. 

Huntsville is a challenging market given the price points but I've had clients find good success in the suburbs. 

What worked well, and what challenges did you face?