What makes real estate so great is the ability to leverage and no lender will want to touch these properties unless charge you a huge origination fee.

Since she is poor, she can't find a lawyer, and the only place I could suggest is Leagal Aid.It is a real shame, if I had the ability, I would post pictures of this house, and how beautiful she keeps it.

Unfortunately, a common myth for rental real estate is the ability to offset ordinary income with the passive losses generated from a crummy rental.

@Taylor ComerLots of good options here, but one thing to consider with giving tenants the ability to deposit or pay electronically.  

Holding the lien gives you no extra ability to buy the property at the tax deed auction but you would end up with it if nobody bids (in which case you're probably getting stuck with junk)

A desire and ability to share their knowledge4.

If your buying power falls, so does your ability to maintain the same standard of living.Below is another example where Property B starts with a higher initial return, but because rents do not keep pace with inflation, buying power declines below property A. 

Get preapproved now and have the ability to jump on a good deal at a moment’s notice.Agency Loans For Investment PropertiesFor an investment property, you’ll likely use an agency loan, which means the loan would be backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

...but, the reality is: RE investing takes creativity and flexible thinking, the ability to see opportunities others miss, the willingness to acquire properties others don't want, and the willingness to do what it takes to force cashflow.Good luck out there!

Expensive or cheap properties are irrelevant characteristics when it comes to investing.I would moreso analyze homes whether they cash-flow or have the ability to appreciate.If you have one property that is cash-flow poor but appreciation rich and want to change it for 10 properties that are cash-flow rich but appreciation poor - just be mindful that 10 properties may be more work than having 1 property.is the extra cash-flow you are getting worth all extra work.I also do not think purchase price has a correleation with the ability to appreciate(or lack thereof).I would look at a low-cost market that has properties currently cash-flowing that also has new jobs/people coming into the city.best of luck