@Matthew Newby How many times do you visit Green Man Brewery?

What kind of flooring?

Her husband will not be living with her full time as he will be primarily living out of state, just visiting often, but I told her that he had to be on the lease.

Some states are just flat out really expensive to get insurance no matter what kind of coverage you get so I can't help you there.

That will take many years and many more before you start seeing any kind of actual profit. 

If you can become an expert on an area by talking to everyone you can in the neighborhoods, you will not only narrow down your criteria, learn what problems to look out for in these neighborhoods, and learn what kind of tenant you will be dealing with, but you may also come across off market deals that you can be the first one to. 

Several more visits revealed that the dog lived there.

I also feel like as the homeowner/landlord, I shouldn't have to ask them for their opinion but I should still consider it.What kind of advice does the community have?

First off, they shouldn't say no credit checks if they're going to check credit; that's just wrong.The majority of lenders will run your credit because it is the best indicator of what kind of borrower you will be. 

the building is still under his name and would go to his heirs, sounds like the 3 of you would be running the property for him while he makes the money. if you entered into this there would have to be some kind of agreement that you take part ownership. on the other hand, this would also be a great way for the 3 of you to learn about real estate and tenants, yet be able to walk away if you can not handle it.