Which means, all-in, you'd need to have only paid no more than 70% of its (subsequent) appraised value.

My lender has pre approval for the repairs.

If they paid a deposit you have to be careful how and what you deduct as there are very specific rules for that.

Let's say, best case scenario, you're able to find a NJ realtor who charges you only 5% commission and is able to sell your property for the $210k you paid. 

Maintenance is an operating expense and should be paid using rental income.

You should file to get a judgement for the unpaid rent and other outstanding bills (if Rent is not paid, I assume water is not paid).

A recent paid study showed that Gaston county had the best opportunity for growth in the region due to its infrastructure, plus Gastonia is putting major emphasis on growth and community development.  

I would talk to some lenders and see if you can pre qualify, especially military credit unions. 

At 5 years, we got to the point where 5 houses (we inherited one) paid for the 6th.  

I was never late with any payments and paid them all back down quickly but maxing each card out within days of receiving it probably didn't help matters any.