Always important to know the neighborhood, developments, and if you are fortunate enough the neighbors themselves. 

You could use the BP calculator (5 times for free membership) or find some available online for free.The most important thing that is going to get you ahead: commit to do 1 thing at least every day that is going to get you closer to your goal of acquiring and creating wealth through real estate: read, analyze, go to open house....Hope that helps.Good Luck

Price, while the most important consideration isnt the only consideration. 

There are many agents out there, but it’s important to choose the right one.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52724-im-new-to-investing-how-do-i-find-an-investor-friendly-agentI love answering questions if you have any!

On the flip side of the coin, if you plan on holding this property for 15, 25, 30 years and its a solid core asset, that $166K becomes less and less important. 

@Andres Bernal   I'm glad you saw the silver lining of this situation and recognized the importance of resident screening. 

Schedule meetings with all of the possible candidates so you have an opportunity to meet face to face and interview each of them.It's important to get it right before you begin, as you are trying to do.Here is a post for the markets in Birmingham to help you with your research of the sub-markets here.

Start looking for properties with your agent, make offersAfter step 5, I would say it is important to make connections with contractors but it sounds like you have that part covered.  

Physical Therapy is important for him and hopefully his insurance provider will pay for his transportation or your mother might have to do it. 

I will bring 100% of the funds to the first closing (this is the important line).