Instead of just jumping in and getting started, I feel the need to figure out every single detail and play it out in my mind before moving forward.The Bigger Pockets community seems like a vital asset to getting started in the real estate investing world.

I will keep you in mind if our position changes. 

BiggerPockets has calculators that you can use to input the project financials and create a one-page PDF report to market your properties to potential investors.There are other paid services that provide similar functionality, but it's hard to say without knowing your investment strategy...

Mind you, this is property she already owns, and is living in.

I keep hearing bits and pieces about a rental strategy that is best called "Renting to the Disabled by the Room for Above Market Rent" that goes something like this: (1) Buy a house with as many legal bedrooms as you can that still has a decent sized common area, (2) rent it out to the relatively high functioning disabled crowd, (3) via some [unnamed] Government program the State pays above market rents for each of the tenets. (4) Send a house keeper 1-2 times per week to ensure the place stays clean and otherwise make sure there are no issues.The up side is: you get above market rent with a much higher than average tenant count.

As long as the learner is wearing out the mentor, and asking good, concise questions, then probably the mentor doesn't mind adding value here and there.  

And it will give you some peace of mind having a more solid property. 

They won't lend if the property doesn't have a functioning sewer system.

I am trying to keep in mind it is an older home, but I also do not know how much I should give or take for this older home.

I am trying to keep in mind it is an older home, but I also do not know how much I should give or take for this older home.