@Morgan Stone  Generally speaking it is not a good idea to rent to relatives. 

You knock out two or three birds with one stone here by finding an investment property, a place to stay and giving your mom some space.

Thanks for the response @Steve Hiltabiddle.The "Hard money lenders" I'm referring to usually call themselves "private lenders", although to me a private lender is someone you have/create a relationship with rather than a large organized business that lends money for real estate.One of the lenders I've used in the past is called Capital Funding Financial. 

Most of the houses we look at are 100 years old with stone foundations.

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications.2.

It's not what I consider totally passive income yet but I am living for free and it's a stepping stone to something down the road if I choose to move out. 

@Alessandro Cardito  Hi, let me know if you organize something soon, I just finished my renovation project and would love to meet up to see what everyone is up too.

It forces you to be organized.

Yes you want to deliver a product for rent and keep the books organized but tenants from hell and lawsuits are the first things you want to avoid :)Good luck!

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications.2.