Sara, let me put this very gently: you can not buy a $190,000 property if you only have $150,000, unless you already know where the other $40,000 is coming from.You don't want to give a huge earnest money and then have the deal fall through because you couldn't get the additional $40,000.

These are all different twists on the SRO (single room occupancy) or shares housing model.

Toward a realistic discussion of the housing market as related to the general economy, or does anyone feel that these stats are twisted for some purpose whether profit or politics?

She needs time to research at her pace; don't push, gently shove 😉!!

they're caught in the middle, and a gentle push in either direction can make a fundamental change in the dynamics of the neighborhood.

Alternately, if you have something solid behind it like a stud behind the drywall, you could predrill a couple holes and use a cabinet screw (exterior grade, we use GRK from Home Depot) to gently pull it back against the wall.

I'm debating weather to take most of these bumps out and replace with screws, or to gently reinsert the nails with a hammer. 

I like yours with a twist, this is my plan.

This twist also allows you the option to enter into more passive types of real estate assets if you choose.  

Housing there is in demand because of the clinic and I'm sure it plays sort of like a big college town with some twists.