Early in the sales process try to get in to the habit of answering a question with a question. 

God knows where she'd have been otherwise - probably with me, which would have been interesting considering I was out of work most of her 98th year.Unions aren't the ones harming this country or its work force.

Also, see Homes For Heroes (same idea)-Dream Makers (based on income)-the next two are grants to make housing habitable for disabled vets (think handicap accessible bathrooms, entries)-the last is only for vets buying in CaliforniaThe easiest way I know to save closing cost money is just to include closing costs in the purchase priceIf you aren't already working with an agent, give both of the agent-based programs a call & see if they can meet your needs.  

Houses on this road are worth no more than $40K, and this problem house would require more than double that to make it habitable.

In all fairness, you offered cozy, it is convenient for you, you suffer no harm and furthermore you may want to adjust your late policy to say a cozy deposit by the 1st is considered on time even if it takes 5 days for you to receive it.

@Paris AkinsI don't know how terrible that bathroom is at this point, but you may have to deal with "warranty of habitability."

(ie, was habitable, ready to go, advertised for rent and you were trying to get a tenant).  

But this is why we have state and city govmit.. if they want to subsidize housing they have mechinisims to do that.I have worked with many of these Habit  and others.. issue comes in PDX is building costs are so high now there Is no way you can build low income housing unless govmit writes super cheap interest rate bonds  forgives System development charges etc etc.. and this area does that.

I admit I need to become more disciplined with spending habits before saving for investing and paying my debt off in full would better prepare me to do so.

It will really depend upon the person and or family and their other "habits" as to risk of future forclosure and personal "bailouts".This home affordability that is beginning to show itself to those that are willing to otherwise do the right things is why I am beginning to believe the the housing market is going to start to recover despite the giveaways and not because of them.