Get a judgement that will follow her forever.

Thanks for your reply and quick judgement. 

Now the set up looks like I'll wind up with a large deficiency judgement at some point, which is disappointing because my goal was to try and buy after a few years of renting.   

Rates have gone up recently but are still low by historical standards and, in my judgement, will likely keep going up for the forseeable future.

If they don't feel it's in the "spirit of the contract" - then, it's a judgement call.

Can I transfer the judgement to my name being the new owner?

Seek a tax professional's judgement to get a better idea of how this would play out in you and your wife's unique circumstance.

I'm not familiar with where you live or are trying to move to, so you'll have to use your best judgement. 

If nothing else, you get a judgement and can send it to collections.

Gain a mastery level comprehension on this, and then how to convey to a tenant the options at hand to hold one accountable, what I like to call "financial herpes" because once a judgement is achieved, it will follow forever until paid.