(If I had been even considering retirement plans at 22 I would be a much wealthier woman today, lol)My take on some of your questions: Yes, having the money saved in your IRA will help with lending, especially if you are working with a lender that will look at your whole financial picture, not the "show me your W2 and your credit report and sign here" type of lender.

I totally agree I just need to strategize how to go about the process if the woman responds. 

I got the woman handling the claim on the phone last week and she said they have 90 days to decide (which I believe I'm getting close to soon).

Talk with a tenant, preferably a woman there and someone with kids, you will then get the real deal as to what is going on in the complex, troubled tenants, drug dealers, unemployed tenants, baby mamas...I'd be honest, tell them your considering purchasing the property and are looking for info, ask her what the problems are, and more importantly ask her for suggestions on how to fix the problems...that kind of free info will be worth thousands...just my opinion !

Still, it has sharpened my radar and saved me from some potentially ruinous renters, like the woman I walked through a mountain property of mine in high heels.  

I apologize for the  harsh words, but we are talking about this woman's life here.

I had to fax a letter to the woman at SS explaining the assignment of rents concept.

Most wise business men and woman know the most valuable asset is time.

I think that you are in position to get the market value of the fourth bedroom, office or woman/man cave.thanks, Matt

(A little back story, this woman is like a 2nd Mom to me.