It's difficult navigating the home purchase process in general, but a lot of more difficult buying something with costly surprises you didn't plan for. 

I have not set up internet or any other utilities, as there have been no tenants living in the property since I closed in late February. 

I spoke with the police and they told me that they could not remove the unwanted guest because he had been living there for more than 30 days and set up his mailing address there and therefore he could only be removed through an eviction process.

Settled at $247,900, 3% closing cost credits, and the seller also put in about $3,000 for repairs.

I would set up outside cameras and deadbolts on all doors. 

Very straight forward to use and cost effective.

Fourth, we wouldn’t need to take on debt to make the purchase and we’re comfortable with the costs and management of the place given our history with it.If we buy out the relatives, we would likely pay around $295,000, which we have available now.

You would be exposed to doing work without a permit, the cost of the actual permit and, worst case, having to rip it all out and have a licensed plumber/electrician do it again.I've heard most municipalities around my area no longer charge the work without a permit fine.

As such, we opted for the deed in lieu strategy in order to minimize cost and uncertainty while speeding up the timeline.We began working with the borrower to negotiate terms of the deed in lieu.

The annual insurance cost of $300 is way too low, I'd add another 0 to that.