I appreciate your concern though and I'll be careful to prepare for the worst!

I have also looked at Eastern PA (East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre) where prices are more affordable and cash flow numbers look better, but I am concerned about the economy, declining population, and vacancy rates. 

The Stockade neighborhood in Schenectady is another area to avoid due to flooding concerns.

You brought up one of my main concerns in mobile homes.

maintenance can be a valid concern,,,sounds as if you have those bases covered.

If part of the house has no foundation at all - I assume this means the sub-framing is sitting directly on the ground - that would be cause for concern. 

Not much newer plumbing to speak of although my better halfs family is a family of plumbers so that helps out with that concern.

As you are concerned on the stability of the industry workers (quite valid) and of the relationship,  offer a short term (3 or 6) month lease holding over with m/m.

That is only concerning the MLS, it's also important to have a good agent to screen wholesale deals for you as well.  

@Brent CoombsI agree on the concern of over leveraging and crazy interest rates, but the timeframe I plan to borrow is extremely short.