I've been in SMF for the last 5 years in a nearby market and studying this location for the last 2.

Besides, I can offset that risk with requiring first and last month Rent in addition to security deposit.Only Tenants who can submit security deposit and all rent money can sign the lease.

Lastly, one tenant is a headache and we are wondering about offering cash for keys.

It's hard to say, so much has changed in the last 2 years it's hard to determine for sure.

If you go to the clerk's office you can read the actual foreclosure file and at least see when the last payment was made from the initial complaint.....then you can guess at accumulated interest, late fees, any taxes or force placed insurance, attorney fees, court costs, etc.

I retired last year. 

And lastly said that she will figure out how to fix it.But I’m worried because I don’t know if it’s possible that she can break the plumbing trying to use a snake, or using too many chemicals?

You are only required to have the property be your primary residence for 2 out of the last 5 years. 

Curious though how has a 401k that has been sitting not making any money, the markets have been nuts the last 3 years. 

You have full access to see what similar homes with similar finish outs of your final product are selling for to back into an accurate ARV.4) Lastly, as someone who has house hacked myself I would make sure you understand how a lender will analyze your second property.