It was a knock down and the rebuild was 2,300 sq. ft.

The local values wouldn't support the cost of rebuilding.

They’re rebuilding a lot in her part.

Oh ya mentioning the basement that is another area to really check out on these old homes, i lucked out there again as it appears mine had some waterproofing done at some point....all in all i think i really dodged a bullet buying this old of a home at auction from what i have seen of other homes in the area...most were total rebuilds.  

Additionally you will have a recorded easement agreement that specifies rights to rebuild, upgrade, who pays the portion of the ad valorem taxes attributable to the billboard, etc.

If you're trying to rebuild, start researching secured credit cards.

In the current moment I'm rebuilding my brand to stay investing property.

The neighbor is going to be selling house anyway. the reality is the your moms house is grandfathered in.. the only issue would be if it burnt down.. you would then have to rebuild based on the set backs as dictated in the zoning code.. so its really a non event for your mother.. 

The 15% DP, would have wiped out my savings, however, I wasn't overly concerned as I do have a decent gig, relatively low expenses, a healthy amount of available credit and expected cash flow from another investment property in which I would start to re-build my savings.  

Who wants to take an old home to the sticks and have to rebuild a house that looks exactly like all of the other homes in the neighborhood?