Every strategy doesn't work in every market though, so if you are in a market where this strategy doesn't work...don't force it...or rationalize the use of it in that market.  

If I end up filing for a tax deed in 2 -3 years and owning the lot (valued at $180K), can I force the MH  owner to sell it to me or move it within a short time period (10 days, 30 days, etc)?

Note I'm not contemplating repairs / maintenance type stuff, such as sewer mains or 1) Moving a home to a new location (as in so expensive you're nuts to contemplate it)2) Replacing / significantly changing external look / structural elements / adding a story3) Replacing vinyl siding with full brick or stone all the way around4) Replacing old heating (baseboard radiant) with new, such as a heat pump and forced air5) Updating Kitchens6) Updating bathrooms7) Replacing floors (like carpet to hardwood or stone)8) Updating fixtures9) Painting

Question: does anyone know if there are Fannie/Freddie, FHA or VA rules that require a forced air system to be ducted to all parts of the house?

I suppose I got so caught up in needed positive cash flow I didn't take the time to consider that even if I am still forced to "pay" rent, I would still be building equity I could draw upon later and living for cheaper, if not the same, amount of money.I suppose I just needed to hear someone else say it before it clicked in my mind that, yes, it was an acceptable situation.Thank you Ivory and Logan!

She admitted it was in her best interest to sell but didn't want to deal with it and was just going to stay until she was forced to move.

Your student loan debt is being serviced from after aftertax income, so that 6.8% needs to be adjusted for your marginal tax rate to yield what you must actually earn to service that debt (could be closer to 9-10% pre-tax).If you have forced appreciation in the house and it will appraise for 135K, you may be able to pull additional equity from the home to pay down (or pay off) your student debt ... effectively transferring your student loan (6.8%) to your mortgage (4.x%?).  

Especially on our lower end rentals I think we really impact peoples lives.  

TRID/RESPA is having a real impact on the market and sales volumes (closing times increasing).

One issue giving me some concern is the limited opportunity to force appreciation with this property.