However, many government entities are under a lot of budget pressure, so its not surprising they would resist properly valuing the property.

VIsit government sites that are used by mortgage bankers, brokers and banks to see what they are allowed to do and what is known a "prudent lending practices".After you get that under your belt you can venture off course to more creative issues, this is not one of them.Good luck, Bill

Trustee sale buyers use real money, not money that will eventually be paid back with government bailouts if mistakes are made.

In some Provinces services may be provided or {partially} funded by government, making the direct cost to you little or nothing.There are also companies out there claiming to be able to "fix" your credit history/score.

If you are asking this question, you do not know enough about the real estate finance business.I am not trying to be rude, just honest.The real estate finance business is extremely complex with many serious federal and state laws.

I've been looking around online, and it looks like according to federal law, I can't advertise these things, but I can make decisions on them as long as I'm living in the property.

Take a look at a federal or state website and their suggested budgets for this income level.  

Question 3 on Form W-9 requires the service provider to indicate their federal tax classification so you can determine if they are exempt. 

If a local JA governs the maintenance standard, what is it?

Hi @Jay HinrichsAs far as I understand it, state law governs the general requirements like 4 years delinquency, sale on 5th year and rights of redemption.