Many large GSE's to my understanding aren't going to ding people if they do a forbearance and transition straight to a loan modification due to covid.

Things like factoring in future refinances or ways to increase value (whether forced appreciation by buying a fixer or adding additional units).To be very straight forward, your best first step is to see what you qualify for by talking to a lender. 

Put every paycheck straight into the bank, and minimize your spending. 

@Ross Billington - So let me get this straight... 

If you're looking more for straight up stability, then having them paid off might work better for you.

What I'm looking at is a house straight out of the 60's that has had no updating since then.

Just trying to get a straight answer on this.

If they are really trying to be manipulative, they will likely try to go straight to you and you will just need to report any such communications to the PM and not respond (unless there's truly an emergency, of course). 

We are looking for a Joliet guest for our Podcast Straight Up Chicago investor to take a deep dive into that Joliet, Shorwood, Plainfield, Lockport market. 

A few options to consider:Obviously a straight-up conventional loan from 5-20%+ downA govt. backed, low down loan.