But because of the crises I had a great applicant that I really wanted in, but they said they couldn’t afford the $900.

So, if the numbers make sense to you, you need a home to live in, you can afford it no matter what the market does, it offsets what you might currently be spending on rent, or any other such factors, this could be an ideal time for you, personally, to buy.  

Ie, if your deal is "da bomb", you can afford to hold for a month or two while things get settled before renovating.

The affordable ones are in terrible areas, previously owned by slumlords, so there's so much deferred maintenance, the properties were built 75+ years ago and the age is taking a toll.

Because; “I can afford it”.

It sounds to me like you can't afford to sit on a vacancy (or three) so you're asking the Seller to take a loss.

We have a big problem with affordable housing and there just is not enough.also what you mentioned, low taxes But on BP I've seen how people claim class A & B are the survivors.

In any event, I can't afford to build another unit there and lack the parking for that in any event.

If they had work, and are now laid off(which they must have been or COVID wouldn't be your issue), they need to apply and they will get benefits, and really ought to be able to afford rent, or at the very least a good portion of it.Additionally there is A LOT of information available on the internet right now about Small Business Disaster Relief loans, which can be used for different things and can even be forgiven if used for the right things.  

Can you afford the mortgage payment if you get a bad tenant?