I believed this to be a very good opportunity due to the circumstances that presented itself.

An investor might consider a voluntary re-cast in such a circumstance because it'll lower the P&I and improve cashflow.

But I will under no circumstances replace her watch.

If you give the Exact circumstance and fees instead of being cryptic about it, perhaps we can offer an opinion.

That's driving around certain neighborhoods looking for boarded up or neglected/stressed houses, search out the owners of that house (there are a number of APPS that use GPS tech to help you with that), you contact the people and see if they want to sell.

@Pat McQuillanAs already noted by @Ashish Acharya, a single-member LLC taxed as a disregarded entity has no tax advantages, only potential legal advantages.Depending on your residence and your facts and circumstances. 

In my circumstance, would a condo buy a good buy considering I will put no money down

For my circumstance, using a VA loan, I will have to live in the house for a year before moving out.

I realized that I have neglected the most important part of real estate investing, connecting with other investors, and am here to change that!  

-Never under any circumstances should you pay a contractor up front.