We know that we have to be self-sufficient and that there will be no pity party for us if we are unable to make our mortgage payments.

We had intended to relocate to Baltimore and found the rental while looking for a primary residence but then wound up being unable to move.  

@Torgeir Willumsen I never ended up investing in Kansas City because I was unable to find a company that I was comfortable working with.  

However, manufactured housing offers a VERY affordable option for ownership to people who would otherwise be unable to own a California home (or in some cases be unable to afford a home at the beach).

If you are unable to leverage at this point due to your credit score I think the answer to your question depends on how much cash you have to work with - ie: can you buy with cash and potentially refinance the property later to get some or even all of your cash out when your credit returns.

This way I may be able to contribute a little more.If I I am unable to find anything real estate related, then I will apply to work as a carpenter/builder in the program.

I would gladly 1031, but am unable to find a way to make it cash-flow.

Tiny Handyman businesses have been unable to tackle full work scopes and hiring individual jobs doesn't pan out money-wise.      

When I ask for something in writing they are unable to provide this claim. 

Based on the fact that there is still someone on the lease living there, I'd argue that the rent paid covers that person and you are unable to differentiate payment of funds between tenants.