Securing financing upfront is paramount.

Unfortunately, the husband lost his job about 8 months ago and, from what I'm told, hasn’t been able to secure another one—not even in retail or fast food.

For the past two years, my primary income has been my Social Security, and my home is fully paid off.

If I am doing the security deposit I want to quickly see how old that carpet or paint is.

A good property manager can help with tenant screening, enforce lease terms, and handle evictions more efficiently if it comes to that.Require a Larger Security Deposit: Within the bounds of local regulations, a larger deposit can provide a cushion in case of damage or unpaid rent.Consider Rent Guarantee Insurance: Some companies offer insurance products that can cover lost rent in case of tenant default.

Many voucher holders are grateful for secure housing and are acutely aware of their responsibilities under the program. 

I believed I was putting that hard-earned money into something secure.

Private lenders or even creating a small syndicate with a group of investors might also be worth exploring, especially since you can point to your uncle’s track record and your own experience managing rentals as a selling point.If timing is tight, you could look into a bridge loan to secure the property while figuring out a more permanent solution.

However, i'll likely be looking at additional ways down the road to be even more secure for a backup what if scenario.  

Good luck on your journey and I hope you provide the financial security you hope for to your daughters.