Get a better value on the property, it's only $100 for a drive by BPO.

Drive for dollars. 

It’s about an hour and a half drive from Birmingham, and I was thinking about driving up tomorrow (6/24) to look around and get the lay of the land.

I was trying to consider some factors that may come into play - from what I understand you can put as little as ~3.5% down under an FHA loan - will it be more beneficial for me to put "more skin in the game" with the largest possible down payment I can make (say, closer to 10-15%)?

*****I DONT THINK SO - MEDICAID Is going to ask where the house went - maybe they dont catch it right away but they will - *** family didnt appear to do any estate planning - they will need to spend that money on her careThe way I can put it if the family is wanting to get out of paying - and they think spending $3-6k or whatever amount is needed for her care is too much then they need to factor in 24/7 care at $12/hr + 15% for taxes, food, utilities, rent, insurance, outside upkeep, maintenance etc and add that up for a month and they will see what a bargain ALF can be

@Andrew Merritt There are so many factors which you consider which route would be good for you, commercial or conventional loan.

Usually expect to see two points to the lender unless there are other people in the mix which can easily drive that number up.  

House-hacking is a great intro, starting young is a huge x-factor so you're in a great position, I started at 23 & I really credit much of my financial success in life to making that first leap of faith.

That's not even factoring the accurate insurance expense amount.

If you don't have much money to start, try driving for dollars, putting out bandit signs, and some other more time-extensive/cheaper methods.