Some dnt have it or cnt get it, no credit card etc. then there is cheaper way way way way cheaper.

The homes in this area are cheaper than Chestnut Hill but not by much. 

The Single premium MI is more pricey as the risk increases to the lender so you'll notice the single premium is much cheaper when you have 10-15% down as opposed to 3-5% down on conventional financing.There are even 0% down programs for FHA and conventional where government entities come in with the grant for the 3-5% down payment so the borrower in essence is 0% down payment (primary residence only and sometimes first time buyer requirement).Hope that helps and that is the real darn truth not the BS you hear about MI. 

Would be cheaper to tear it down your self for sure, just takes time.  

Hope you learned to used cpvc for your plumbing cheaper and worthless to steal.

 $150 for a new faucet is cheaper than the drop charge for the plumbers here.

Unlawful Detainer (aka eviction) is a pain, costs you both time and $$$.It's cheaper by far to just 'buy them out' and I mean offer cash for the keys.You need to decide what to do with any abandoned property and how to handle the deposit, but you're after possessing.

What direction would you go if you were in my shoes (CA or cheaper market)?   

So, unsure if a residential loan would be cheaper. 

Housing and living costs are definitely much cheaper out here!