To be more specific:Our price range is below $150K for 2+1 single family in relatively nicer parts of Phoenix metro area (Chandler, Tempe, West Mesa, etc.) with a potential after repair value of $200KWe have seen lots of deals like that previously and actually flipped one in Chandler.

Even with no furnace the interior temps were around 50 through out the winter,  with only 2 exterior walls and those walls being short walls, percentage of exterior walls is pretty low.  

I want to invest in some rentals in Mesa Tempe area. 

Check out Birmingham, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Gary (IN), St Louis, Huntsville, Phoenix/Tempe/Mesa, Kansas City, Memphis, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Harrisburg (PA), Greenville, Jacksonville, Tampa, Houston, San Antonio, Little Rock, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland, Ohio, or other secondary or tertiary markets.

I received a temp c/o and started on the list of repairs.

That's the absolute first place to check, as @Jon Holdman says, and you don't need finish plans just some idea on what you want to do.Basements tend to be damp and cooler temps.

The roof was black at the time and the attic temps trended over 150º on a sunny day.  

Hi Jennifer,If you need quick money think temp jobs.

The M/F is a couple and they have a sorta temp roommate who is staying with them and this may last a while..."

I have one SFH in Tempe, rented out.