@Christina BabayanThis is a question for an attorney who practices family law in the jurisdiction in which you reside (Texas).Here, record keeping would be the crux of your case.  

Not sure whether the former owner or a tenant is residing there.

I currently reside in New Jersey and have selected the South eastern Pennsylvania market as where i would like to begin my real estate investment endeavors for many reasons such as  real estate prices, tax rates in comparison to Jersey as well as proximity to my current job in the South eastern PA region.

What is the murder rate in the neighborhood the victim and home reside in?

Those range from 130-160K and would be pretty affordable, especially if you could buy it as a primary residence, and they would make great short term rentals being right in the heart of downtown.

., resident in the forums.Click on the "Education Tab" at the top of the page, and you could be spending many hours on the Information that is available.Raymond

I haven't done any deals yet (only my primary residence, which I'm considering converting to my first rental).

Hello @Alex Cowan and from one Arizona resident to another, welcome to Bigger Pockets!

It has a separate walk-out entrance, a gas heater, a kitchen and windows and has had a tenant residing in it for 9 years.

I haven't yet made any real estate investments beyond my own personal residence, but I've been interested in real estate for most of my adult life.