Per your earlier response, I can confirm that I'm (currently) able to work from wherever, but the future of my career will probably continue to be rooted in the Silicon Valley. 

Also, there are several trees rooted right at the base of the house.

Depending on the age of the house, you may have rusted lines, tree roots that may have crushed your lines or just a broken line but, I've never heard of a line that is to small!

If you don't understand EVERYTHING about the root cause of what caused the water issues and how you can prevent that (and the cost of doing so) after seeing it, then it's not for you.I feel the best fit for most first time buyers is a low risk, appreciable asset, perhaps in a good school system. 

You can try "conventional" financing from bigger banks (the benefit of getting a 30 year fully amortizing mortgage), but that's as painful as a root canal in my opinion. 

I have some experience at this.what we did when we were buying SFR rentals was:1. new pex piping 2. new roof3. new HVAC mechanicals4. new waste line to the street. ( number one call we would get was backed up plumbing from root intrusion)5. upgrade electrical panel and wiring as needed.So we would look for homes were we could do these things the first month or so of owning them then put them into service. 

So ask questions that get to the true root of the financials.

I know that most of the water damage is from the attic, I am also concerned about the root structure in the foundation. 

I’m rooting for ya.

Surface mold can be cleaned off, but if mold roots into the walls and woodwork, most of that will have to be replaced.