If the tenant is truly struggling due to a life event, the sooner we can work together to get her somewhere she can afford (and not have an eviction or negative credit report on record), the better for all.

Texas boasts affordability and business-friendly policies, but lacks some cultural amenities.It depends on your priorities!

I would purchase a duplex (or even better, purchase a SFH with as many bedrooms as you can afford and rent by the room), and then slowly improve the property. 

The tenant pool can be lower end in Winnipeg but if you invest in the right areas it will often qualify for CMHC financing in terms of affordability. 

They needed a lot of work and we have been able to get them at a price that allowed us to afford the repairs.

The lower rate or longer term can also make the payment more affordable. 

If you can't afford a system, then partner with someone that does.5.

But real estate has afforded me a life that I never thought was possible.

Affordable housing is RED-hot at this time, especially if it's decent 3br+ housing sub $2k.   

But these are the sorts of gaps that people come up with solutions for.