Houses can be vacant for a lot of reasons (elderly moved in with family or friends, hospitalization, death, moved back to where they grew up, bad memories regarding the property, can't afford the payment any more, deferred maintenance makes house a health hazard and on and on) 

He is older and both he and his wife are in declining health.

And generally if i buy the property how would i go about joint venturing with the same person to farm those almonds there?

We’re in such a seller’s market right now that buyers don’t have much leverage with inspection items unfortunately, so I’m recommending buyers only ask for health and safety items for the most part, or anything expensive that alters the viability of the deal materially as an investment of course.

In addition, tenants now must declare that they are making less than $99,000 per year (individual) or $198,000 if they file jointly.

Generally, the populations that are assisted are those whom may have the following backgrounds who are in need of stable housing: victim of abuse, veterans, mental health, and/or addiction.

We can either own the property as joint tenants or my husband and I own our interests as community property and the father owns his interest as a joint tenant?

That’s why usually a basement is ‘cold and damp.’It’s your call if you think thermal expansion/contraction will crack any Sheetrock joints or the temp will really actually damage a finish.

The reason is that your income is normally grouped together when you file a joint tax return.However, if you have kids or family members in the area who are in a low income tax bracket - it may make more sense.Good luck in your search for an accountant.

@Ben Cochran After 1 year you’d pay long term cap gains....after 2 years living there, tax free (section 121 up to $250k single/$500k joint return).