(per your profile, I would suggest avoiding unless there is NOTHING else out there)When all else fails, take out the emotions and look at the cold hard numbers.  

When it gets to investment, never get emotional or fall in love with a property.

You're emotional side is simply trying to overcome your logical side.

If you didn't then it sounds like you were just helping mommy out or perhaps they were just capitalizing on your emotions.

Yes, sometimes we find ourselves in a tough spot because of bad timing; however, we more often make things worse by following up our "bad luck" with a worse decision rooted in emotions.

All of the strategic planning in the world doesn't really prepare for the emotion of what's happening. 

Let your emotions get used to having that much in the bank.

Absentees are a good pool because they are typically not emotionally involved with the house - it's just a property.  

amazing how emotion can railroad logic.

They also probably have some credit card debt (amount unknown).They are okay with getting 45k for the work they did along with "sweat equity" and "emotional" attachment.I'm sure there are a ton of you thinking: RED FLAGS!