Friendly reminder that loan guidelines typically allow you to use the theoretical or real income from the other unit (the one you're not going to occupy) to help you qualify for the mortgage.

I'd estimate that there are less than 1,000 legitimate, or "professional" wholesalers, in the United States of America, as defined by individuals who make $100K flipping contracts, and collecting assignment fees, in any form, and who have made that amount of income more than 3 years in a row.

She’s currently not paying rent, and while she has some health issues and no stable income, she’s been communicative and open to general talks, with a possible option to vacate through a cash-for-keys arrangement, though this might take around six weeks and some hard work.I plan to rehab the property and eventually rent it out, potentially to a Section 8 tenant.

This reminds me of the discussion around pricing things at $x.99 instead of $x+1.00.EXAMPLE: $4.99 instead of $5.00Everyone "knows" that the price in the example is basically $5.So, why do billion dollar companies, spending more on marketing departments than everyone's combined income on this thread, STILL use the $x.99 pricing format?

Incomes are having a hard time keeping up.  

At $400/month/cabin, our total annual assessment income is $48,000. 

Being a real estate professional allows you to treat the income as non-passive, allowing higher high income tax payers to pay less in taxes.

Build up job skills, build up savings, and increase your W2 income.

Spend what’s needed to upgrade with reliable mechanical systems, roof that doesn’t leak, remediate all mold; interior design modernized; in other words a place that will attract a higher income no hassle tenant.  

However, before you do so you should ensure that your revenue from rental income covers ALL your property expenses in the townhome, including mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance/repairs, vacancy, property management, etc...