If I'm not careful the data can be misrepresentative from housing block to block.

Now as far as renters insurance, you should have the letter from the company they are going to use prior to move in, some require it a week in advance so they know the property is going to be insured by move in date, that can go for all utilities as well, so you have peace of mind that all the important things are taken care of. 

I suppose this could happen with any seller regardless but I am also concerned given his age and ill health, what if at the time of purchase his interest in in probate or held by surviving family? 

If you have a car payment, for example, you can take care of that.Best of luck.

He will work his BUTT off for you and will take care of you. 

However my realty, Keller Williams, has made them one of our preferred vendors since they take good care of people who are looking for a rental as well as property owners looking to rent their properties.  

Would a HML care if I used a personal loan for the up front cash? 

Well, I have advised atleast 5 people in these forums to be careful about foreclosure auctions.

I don't think they will care much about age, but will about money and/or experience.

It’s a neighborhood of only fourplexes and they’re all brick and seem to be well taken care of.