I would personally rent if it is temporary so you don't mix a personal and investment decisions.

Of course with great losses, the debt side of the ledger greatly increases and substantially decreases the income side. 

The population of Detroit has been decreasing like someone falling off a cliff  for over 20 years. 

. :)  At the very moment (likely through next week) i'm on a temporary lending freeze, likely just through the end of May, then back to business after that. :)

Ask them the requirements for a permanent or temporary residence and any short term (less than 30 days) or long term rental restrictions. 

You'll also get the best relative tenants and the least amont of headaches.As you go down the alphabet, from A, to B, to C, to D properties, the relative appreciation decreases, but the cashflow increases - along with tenant performance issues and thus performance risk.What you want to pursue will dictate what areas to invest in.Let us know if you'd like to know more about Metro Detroit options.

Good luck, and try to remember they're all temporary problems :) 

Raising the deductible is as safe an option as you can go instead of decreasing your coverage.

I recommend a structural engineer further evaluate and make recommendations related to this observation” And regarding this make-shift supports: “Temporary posts exist in the basement that should be considered for replacement with a permanent support system.A temporary post is noted as a support to the ground that does not appear to be resting on a footer.This temporary support post is holding up a metal beam supporting a large portion of the house.This is a structural concern that should be reviewed by a qualified engineer/contractor”I will include a couple pics as well 

It's an effective temporary measure to buy a small amount of time to figure things out but its like poisoning the well, it will have long lasting effect on your personal credit and dismissing the BK won't change the credit impact.If you are doubting the validity of the lady's claim to the property, file a quiet title action and have her prove it belongs to her.