I hear about that all the time...Question 2:  When you need a solution, are seeking information, or want to buy a product, where do you go first?  

It is up to the landloard to find a simple solution to a problem. 

A realtor has recently approached us with a solution to remove me from the deed (via quick claim deed process), at which point he suggests that the bank would then not consider my assets in determining eligibility for the short sale (we have an FHA loan*) and thus we'd have a better chance of executing one, since there's no way they'd deem her financial status alone, qualified to handle everything..Can anyone familiar with the short sale process, comment as to the accuracy of this?

It helps that I always work for minimal overlays firms (specifically for this type of deal-saving added flexibility) and I identified the solution, but the agent got to be the hero in the eyes of the homebuyers too, for marketing the property, finding that tenant, and getting that security deposit so quickly.

Chris Drury, I've been looking for additional solutions as well, including contacting many small banks in the area where I want to invest.

I've been told - with my terrible credit - that even with a cosigner financing won't happen on an investment property (unless maybe terrible terms). . . any suggestions / ideas / creative solutions are deeply welcomed.

Brian Mathews FYI living on post isn't always the best solution.

In my experience, you most likely wouldn't be ahead if you went the home warranty route, but it might be a short term solution to get you through a year or two more in the black so that you can upgrade the systems.

The best way is to spend the couple hundred bucks and talk to a cross border accountant to be sure and have a solution tailored to you specifically.What market are you focusing on?

This is highly recommended by many contractors as a more cost-effective solution.