What I understand, from your post is that you are more interested in a lower cost home that would be comfortable to live in (no work needed) so you can save money for an investment while your fiancé (congratulations!!)

You can get away with a lower down payment, easy to analyze and some renters prefer only SFs.

When I run the numbers, even when I try to cheat and assume "that cost would NEVER be that high so let's lower it..."

At the foreclosure unction, the bank has right to bid up to their judgment amount, or a lower price if they choose.

The cost of living is quite a bit lower than the US average.

There are some markets nearby with lower price points and similar rents.

Even if you go to court and lose (which I find unlikely) you would still just pay the bill which is probably lower than your insurance deductible so the only thing it really cost you is time.

This can diversify you, lower your overall portfolio risk and enhance overall returns if done correctly.  

Maybe one that needs a bit of work that you can get a HUD loan on with a lower upfront down payment.

Hi evrybody ,i am kind need help on deal i am trying to make it here .Asking Price 1,45 milion Purchase price 1.35 Downpayment 30% ( bank loan)8 units 9600Sf total Gross Operating Income 138,533   (Gross Potencial income 145,000)Monthy GOI 11544Total Annual Expences 51794monthly expences 4316Expenses 51794Property Menager 7000insurance 6000Landskaping snow removal 9300repairs 4000taxes 18500trash 2200water sewer 4900Rents 1650 ,1600,1375,1200,1400,1750,1375,1800All is townhouse 3/2I am think to i do my self property manager ,i am think to lower landskaping and snow removal from 9200$ to lower down.4 is fully done ,4 need to be renovate.School is 10 ,area is great ,bullding is very healty ,a lot land can be approve to build another 8 unitsPlease i need some help before i give 5% monday to under deposit .thank you (i am sorry for english )