Assuming your lease/license is in order, and no known defects that threaten health, life or safety, you can keep the SD plus interest in the amount of the unpaid rent.

All the advice as to go get some money and jump in, while that's great for cheerleaders, it isn't good advice especially when someone coming in says they can't afford to lose. 

If they can't afford $100k from the current owner, they're not going to be able to afford $140k from you.3) You should have the appraisal done now, before anyone really commits to anything.

She cant do a short sale because she can afford the house. 

In comparison to other Boston areas, it is considerably more affordable, especially for investment properties.

Could you afford that? 

Just don't wait until your health age affect your premiums.

The most "classic" and affordable are single family homes but some investors prefer the "2-for-1" duplex option for first time investing.If (1) You're able to move, and (2) you want to be creative with your financing, I purchased a duplex (my first investment property) and did 5% down FHA loan.

Therefore- it is used to help them afford a house purchase.

I suggest you determine what the value of the opportunity is before determining Jim much you can afford to budget finding the owner.I use the following acronym: PETIOPROPERTYEQUITYTITLEINTERESTSOPPORTUNITYWith this format I can determine where the sweet spot is in the situation.Since you are hopefully chasing a bunch of equity, you might be able to budget $50-100 or even more to skip trace a missing owner, if alive.