I studied law with the intention of getting a JD, but became disabled. 

If I could invest (now disabled and renting in subsidized housing in Crescent City, CA), I'd buy in Chico or Arcata by the university. 

There are so many services available for disabled people.  

She will have to show that she has a disability under the American's With Disabilities Act, and that a dog will help with her disability. 

I just checked for NC and this is what I found:"For purposes of subsection (d), personal property shall be deemed abandoned if the landlord finds evidence that clearly shows the premises has been voluntarily vacated after the paid rental period has expired and the landlord has no notice of a disability that caused the vacancy.

There is no right to have more "disabled" people in a home than would otherwise be allowed. 

All modifications are at the expense of the disabled person, and the disabled person must agree to restore the premises, at their own expense to the pre-modified condition (provided the modification would affect the use and enjoyment of the premises for future residents).We require:Written proposals detailing the extent of the work to be done.Written assurances that the work is to be performed in a professional manner by a licensed/bonded contractor.Written approval from the landlord before modifications is made.Appropriate building permits and required licenses made available for the landlord's inspection.A restoration deposit may be required per Fair Housing guidelines.Start of Lease Agreement:No rental property will be held vacant for more than two (2) weeks, unless approved by Liberty Management, Inc.Residents moving in before the 20th of the month pay prorated rent for that month, for residents moving in on the 20th or after they will need to pay the prorated rent and next month’s rent at move-in.Vacant Homes --- Liberty Management has a policy that all leases will begin within 14 days of application approval or Availability date whichever is later.

A service animal does not count as a pet because it is higly trained and is required by the person with a disability.  

Where i live a section 8 tenant can be a single mom, or disabled individual most of the time.

You do need to be careful as even the act of asking what disability the animal is helping with can be a violation as even TSA and airlines do not have the right to ask that.