She pulled permits and lives there full time now!

I think David Ramsey's points about living within your means and saving is good, but it doesn't apply to housing. 

If you are wanting to learn more about how to protect yourself as the PML, check out the book Lend to Live: Earn Hassle-Free Passive Income in Real Estate with Private Money Lending available in the BiggerPockets bookstore!

I live in a tenant friendly state hence the tenant normally wins under the circumstances unless you have evidence to back up your claim. 

You can either do an income based loan underwritten by your income and supported by financial documents or a DSCR loan if an investment property you don't live in. 

I am very eager to start taking action and learning but live in a high cost of living market (Boston) currently and for several reasons (need to save more, move to lower cost of living place etc.) will not be able to start for at least 1.5 years. 

This is where I live.

You live there, so there's obviously something desirable about.

The other half of the increased value would be included in the deceased spouse’s estate.Community Property StatesIf you live in a community property state, things work a little bit differently.

Some people want flash with hot tubs, pool tables, swimming pools, kayaks, and brand new.