While the work is rewarding, it is not increasing my own portfolio.I’m 58 years old, have terrible credit and besides my consulting business, am not employed.

FHA will accepts a wider range of credit scores which is nice. 

The tenant is a good one  with a very high credit score, but I feel I should have set my boundaries properly.

Does anyone have suggestions on which bank(s) or credit union(s) will loan on a home(s) for  $45,000 or under? 

I have a client that has a great credit score and several assets looking to buy a duplex.

Fundamentally though the price increases are driven largely by inventory shortage, not risky mortgage lending practices so there's no reason to expect that the next credit crisis will stem from the housing market though it will no doubt be affected. 

It will make it easier to (A) leverage your credit history from Canada into the US (only works on single family) and (B) easy to move money between US and Canada.Happy to answer any other questions you might have.

This may be resolved by now, just wanted to add that if they pull the "ESA" card (emotional support animal) it sounds like you may be exempt (landlords owning <3 SFH not leased by realtor are exempt). 

My local credit union is too rigid.Any advice?

@Troy Ramey made some excellent points, I would also add that you should look into the 3% down payment conventional loan options, as they are typically much better loans for people with decent credit than FHA loans are.