Cost may be prohibitive in which case I would pass on the deal unless you do not care about the outcome.

They can go after the original owner but not foreclose anymore.Unless the senior lien took care of the junior liens also when setting the bid price.

Assuming this strategy works for your finances.Some other factors to consider are how well they take care of the unit, whether they are on fixed income/ability to pay more), your views on affordable housing/social justice, current market conditions (right now seems good for attracting a new tenant), and whether the property still cash flows or works at a below market rent.  

I very much appreciate your comments  and will carefully consider them before engaging in my first RE deal.

My mom is considering moving out of an apartment that she's been in for about 25 years, but, I'm thinking of buying a building and turning it into an apartment for seniors so she could just live there.  

I am sure I am naive but why would people in crisis care who actually buys their property as long as it gets sold in the timeframe discussed and the agreed upon price?  

@Shawn Evans I am unfamiliar with those particular lenders (that isn't necessarily a negative; there are a lot of lenders out there) - the only thing to be careful with is that many lenders with so-called "down payment programs" have exorbitant closing costs, so ultimately you're paying the down payment anyway.

Am I obligated to pay a commission to their agent, or would I be able to deny the use of an agent so I do not have to pay a commission? 

Take care! 

I am also a bit of an animal lover and my husband and I have two rescue cats and two pugs all of who are very spoiled.