The cost of living is extremely low compared to other cities and you can still many many positive cash flowing and 1% deals here.

One important thing to mention with the 203k loan is that they require you to live in the property for 1-year.

Should I consider converting my 1950's garage into an ADU as I live near a college? 

At that point, it was a "live for free" investment.

if this is an owner occupied property and the loan was used by the owner to buy the property to live in.. then they are by federal law able to request a 3rd party mediator to meet with them and a representative from the bank and try to work out a re pay planthe issue is many in foreclosure never follow up on this and basically waive their right to this meeting. that would be step number one get into the federally mandated mediation if the owner and the property qualify.

If a fire restoration company came out to inspect after the fire they would have deemed whether the structure was safe or not for repairs and to continue living in.Always good to do your own due diligence, but I personally think the plumbing and potential water issues pose a higher risk. 

Quick background - I live in Southern California and I am looking to purchase either a 2/2 condo or a small 3/2 single family house.

The reason being is this Person i never had a lease with or rental agreement comes and goes from the property and is NOT living in it..

We are living this now.3.  

My wife and I live in Dublin and work in Blacksburg.