The equity she wants is $55,000, which I don't have in cash fully, but I own a home now with that in equity, and I have money in an IRA. 

Where I am in Texas if it is a normal loan from normal bank, they step in the day before the sale or morning of the sale and get it resolved and the property never ends up in the sale.If the loan has small balance, or is some kind of private money loan or I would say unsophisticated lender then some chance it goes to sale.

The bank from my understanding will be writing off a loss on this loan as there is not enough money to go around.Here is where it gets interesting, there is a second lien on the properties from a seller of a hotel that the current owner of the 21 unit bought seller finance. obviously there is not enough money to get this guy paid off as the bank is already taking a loss.

If you are serious, this will be 100% worth whatever time and money you spend to do this. 

Not trying to be a dream killer but there is simply no money to be made in the D.C. no cash flow, no margins to flip, labor either to flip or just hold a property is insane, the money was made years ago, even going forward I see limited appreciation, investing is HARD everyone these days but to the extent there is money to be made you have to go to places that haven’t popped yet.

. - not a lawyer but I know someone in a similar position who acted as a private money lender (silent partner) on a rehab to generate passive income.You could also look into the many turnkey providers to sites like Realtyshares, Honemestors, etc who will provide you with a K1 for passive income.

hard money lender?

You'll have something to talk about, and you may even get money for the deal.

Lease also states, that any money received from the tenant will first be applied to any outstanding bills. 

What is called build for rent is very broad and varies considerably even in the same market.