Also if you do buy for STR purposes go duplexes and up in this market.

It's their responsibility to pay or they can find somewhere else to live...dropping funds at my bank is not that complicated.Definitely get a lease in place...maybe month-to-month until you learn they are stellar tenants. 

I'll try to dissect your response.

(b) If after a casualty loss the rental premises are as a practical matter totally unusable for residential purposes and if the casualty loss is not caused by the negligence or fault of the tenant, a member of the tenant's family, or a guest or invitee of the tenant, either the landlord or the tenant may terminate the lease by giving written notice to the other any time before repairs are completed.

,I've seen a lot of turds, and people purposely crapping in the toilet when the water is shut off so it smells.. but outside the house.. wow... just wow...the smear marks are the real gross factor...

The next action step for me is to find sales/comparable data for my market for the purpose of getting a better sense of what is selling and for what price retail houses are going for, along with comparables.  

Thanks for the response, @Amit M..

Although some appraisers work directly for mortgage lenders, most are independent.appreciationThe increase in the value of a property due to changes in market conditions, inflation, or other causes.assessed valueThe valuation placed on property by a public tax assessor for purposes of taxation.assessmentThe placing of a value on property for the purpose of taxation.assessorA public official who establishes the value of a property for taxation purposes.assetItems of value owned by an individual.

We are wanting to buy homes and multifamily charge rent and use that as income for ministry purposes and also to house missionaries and people in need for and from the church.

Any bad investment is the fault of the person making it and they have to assume responsibility for it.