When a utility is provided by the government, if the bill is unpaid, it can usually become a lien on the house.

I performed audit work in low income housing. 

It is sad but he needs some help, probably supported housing.

If anyone in Pennsylvania is looking to sell their houses through a wholesale agent please consider myself as a reputable source of help.

@Greg Scott thanks for the mention:)@Usman Khan welcome to the "fun" of S8, where you can rarely get ahold of anyone at a Housing Commission office:( THey are all overworked and underpaid.Reference this for your S8 training and maintenance:https://dhcmi.org/sites/default/files/upload/LandlordGuideBo...

But very few investors are in the #1 performing sector over the last 1, 3, 5 and 10 year periods, according to the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF): senior housing.  

I've been looking into going with the route of section 8 (or housing choice voucher).

Quote from @William Penn House Jr: I just got off the webinar and fell for the OKEDOK,  It was clearly stated the they would charge only $197 tioday as well as monthly and that would include everything.

Targeting Section 8 housing?

You can open a Self-Directed IRA and use the IRA funds to buy a house using a Non-recourse loan.