Ayer, Billerica, Hudson, Maynard - those are going to be your best bet for cash flow in Middlesex County.

These are all cash purchases with 10 percent down at the time you win the auction via cashier's check.

Assuming you or the family can pay off the excising loan at closing this should be win win for both of you.  

The settl4ement was private, but I bet it was at least $400k knowing the attorney's involved, maybe more. 

The departing tenant says she will continue paying rent, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Appreciation Wins: - Two years appreciated enough to remove PMI. - Four years of appreciation -100k HELOC for investing.TakeawaysThis house hack worked because I chose a desirable home in a good area with strong appreciation potential.

Where is the win for them? 

Best bet is likely (not absolute - everyone's situation is different) is to look at a national lender or broker that has options in lots of states - its a great development versus 20 odd years ago, with technology, internet, places like this - can have access to many more options than before (local broker or lender thats it)

If your goal is to offset your mortgage with a house hack then Lowell would be a good bet, but if you're looking for a longer term appreciation play then the areas closer to the city would be better, although the offset from cashflow may be lower than what you're looking for.A good step for you would be to dig into specific areas more as @Lien Vuong noted above.

My figures are below.TaxDeed Winning Bid: $489.00 (My Bid May 2013)Property Clean-up: $450.00 (mowing, trash removal)Taxes & Insurance: $80.00 (2013 & 2014)Sale Advertising: $130.00 (Signage, Newspaper Ads, etc)Filings & Legal Fees: $245.00 (Deed, Lien Releases, Sales Agreement Docs)Total Costs: $1395 (approx)Sold for: $3250.00 (August 2014)That is better than the 25% I would have received if the property was redeemed during the redemption period.