My observation is that you are asking for strangers to help you and show you everything, but not offering anything. 

I have thought about buying a SFR and renting out the rooms.. that could be an option, but then living with strangers or even acquaintances can be a bit hairy.

If you want to be a freelance writer, don't let a stranger on the Internet (no hate, I know he meant well), but who doesn't even know what your writing looks like tell you it isn't a "real job" and to go pursue a W-2 job.

It's not a direct answer to your question about typical expenses, but this random stranger says walk. 

Sob stories to a stranger - unprovoked - are usually a giant red flag.

Tell her to call police if she thinks a stranger maybe do her any harm.

Some will take less because they don't want to bother with a listing, lookers, strangers in their house, etc and just want the certainty of an all cash fast closing. 

Unfortunately, the owner ignored my advice and hired strangers to clean and renovate.

Hi @Joshua D.I'd be happy to try and be helpful, though take any advice from a stranger on the internet for what its worth :)To be most helpful, can you send the updated calculator and loan details?

With a SFH with a mother-in-law suite, I think it would limit my exit strategy a bit, because I'd think it would be difficult to move out in a year or two and then rent out the main house to someone else, knowing that the mother-in-law suite is occupied by complete strangers.