When I proposed to my sister that she use Personal Capital, a financial tool that shows you spending habits, investment performance, budgeting and other stuff, she turned off immediately.

You have a lot of leeway when it is an urgent issue harming people or property, but this post-emergency work can vary.

Other habitable rooms must have an area of not less than 70 square feet.

Does the available attic headroom meet the minimum requirements for habitable space?

It's a long post, I apologize, I won't make it a habit.

What you need to know depends on what your plan is with real-estate.If you are doing apartments, you have a responsibility to reduce safety hazards and maintain a habitable place.  

They definitely need to change their spending habits and enjoy their retirement.

The #s sound too tight for comfort/aggravation.I would determine what # you need for the amount of investment and aggravation involved in your chosen scenario, and then make an offer to the bank for that amount (or a little lower, expecting some negotiation) for the short sale #.Basically, if you're willing to walk away anyway, there's no harm in throwing out a # you would actually want the property at, especially if you already have a line of communication with the bank.They say in a negotiation, "(s)he who cares the least wins".

If they slow a house closing over a lien and they lose they could be in for a rude awakening if you can prove you were harmed, which you can.  

I plan on co-habitating one house (3+1) and renting out the rest.