My problem was by that time so much was owed, it was more than the house was worth. 

Have been house hunting for awhile for a primary home or multiple, I am now considering building new rather than buying old ones with high maintenance cost.

This would be the safest money but probably the costliest.Don't build a house of cards, Tyler.

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

==========================My relative is asking if this is a viable way to legally avoid having to pay taxes:STEP 1: SELL PRIMARY RESIDENCE (House A)-Sell primary residence to son-in-law for cost basis + $500K-File gift tax form for difference between sale price & market value-Not pay capital gains on $500K due to personal exemption.STEP 2: SELL RENTAL PROPERTIES-Do 1031 exchange and buy House A back from son-in-law-Rent out House A for 1 year before move back in==========================Thoughts?

I have had 8 at my 3 bed/ 2 bath houses, largely because of the bathrooms. 

The same may apply for putting the house into a trust.

The one negative is with multiple tenants in a house is potential for conflict among each other but could be reduced by screening all of them well. 

@Rodney Womackstart with a house hack.

Buffalo is predicted to be #1 2025 Small City Housing Market of the year.