Somewhere within an hour's drive?

Maybe not today, but if sold for a nickel on the dollar to a collection company,,it will be a nightmare.Signing off as Jon was suggesting in his post, is safe and removes her from liability.

Alas, I don't think I'll do that again, with SAFE laws now in effect.

For anyone to answer, With all that has been said, would it be safe to say that having an LLC in general, would be a good or bad idea for someone just starting out?

One full days drive could get me to Sacramento, CAThanks everyone.

Is there no middle ground, ie safe, blue collar neighborhoods?

Most of the community looks run down, I drive through it often and about 1 in 10 of the townhomes is an eyesore.

That's what I assumed, I just wanted to be safe and confirm it here.

I don't know how FHA would look at a lease purchase, but keep in mind that you essentially have a contract to purchase, just at a later date.To be safe, I would suggest going with a lease option instead.

Then after due diligence and application review, meet them in person.....yes look at the way they live or what they drive if possible.