I am aware there are state and federal programs to help subsidize the cost of purchasing affordable housing units.

Saturday, November 5th I signed up for a Homeownership Program, hopefully that class will be a crash course in the industry jargon, as well as giving me more information.

I graduated from NYU's real estate program this May'16.  

Also check out the Housing Forward program in Maywood.

I work full time in Healthcare IT (software Program Manager - very visible and demanding) so I'm trying to decide whether to pursue a small claims court filing or writing this off as a learning experience on how to deal with inheritied tenants.  

Wellsfargo offers  https://www.wellsfargo.com/mortgage/loan-programs/purchase-renovate/

There are several carriers which have designed their products and programs to alleviate this difficulty.

I’ve spoken with many people over the years and haven’t yet come up with a comprehensive strategy.My scenario: I purchased a 2/2 condo in Delray at the height of the market in 2007 for $170,500 after obtaining a first time home buyer grant from the county using the SHIP program.

I'd recommend talking to Donny Gothard at Security National Mortgage for their temp to perm financing program.

You could try asking about HELOC or refinance and let them tell you what type of programs they have or call it an investment property instead of a second home.