In other words, does the animal work, provide assistance, perform tasks or services for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provide emotional support that alleviates one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of a person's existing disability?

My husband and I put together rock solid processes to try and alleviate the “fear” of private lending and thought it would be a no brainer.

And then some other things to protect it long term and alleviate some capex things (gutters, basic updates to electrical, a few plumbing repairs, a little motor work in the garage and basement, a new concrete front stoop).

The process you outlined will definitely help to alleviate a lot of the mystery and fear around failed title V's.

That helps alleviates the fear in the event we can't find a renter right away.  6 months might seem extreme to some people, but it really gives us peace of mind that we are prepared. 

She wants to sell the house to me for only what she owes on the house, so it could alleviate some pressure from her financially. 

How does one alleviate this concern of purchasing a vacant property?

Due diligence does help alleviate a lot of issues that come up with tenants.

One other direction you could consider is getting a slightly larger property, say 2-4 unit that would alleviate your low loan amount issues while opening up increased cash flow opportunities.

When accepting payments, you should look to receive them online however, if your tenant insists that they mail it, you should write it in our lease that if payment are mailed the tenants need to ensure they choose a traceable mailing option - which will alleviate you of the burden of having to listen to tenants tell you they mailed payment when they didn't.