My 5 siblings and I were raised by a single mom also and I saw mine do whatever she had to to keep us fed and clothed with a roof over our heads. 

Is it possible to get homeowners' insurance on a house with cloth wiring?

The plaintiff was a little old lady with a lawyer who dressed liked he bought his clothes at the church rummage sale. 

They may surprise you and tell you that they realize the dog tore up the carpet and it has to be replaced.If they don't admit any fault by their dog, you can ask them what they think is fair and send them the pictures of the torn carpet and then maybe you can find a middle ground with them.I just went through a similar situation with my tenants when they moved out (huge red wine stain and water damage from a utility sink that overflowed because they left some clothes in there to soak).  

On the electrical, is there any cloth wiring, or crazy looking circuit breakers or even fuses... some panels are fire hazards and insurance will make you replace them.  

I have looked at these along with dry cleaners and clothes washing centers.Came to the same conclusion on all.

You can make minor adjustments based on the type of appliances (dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, air conditioning, etc.) and the size of the rental.

Follow your gut instinct, because a general rule, you can tell about people from the condition of their clothes and their demeanor. 

Homeowners insurance covers the contents ie TVs, Furniture, Clothes etc. as well as the structure.Landlord covers the structures only.  

BX, cloth wires.. the I've been talking to the electrical inspector and this place will likely need all new electric (!!!)