Since you're located in Vacaville, you're basically half way between Sacramento and the Bay Area, and your location gives you options in either market.

I believe that homesteaded properties can be purchased by the tax certificate owner for half the assessed value minus their investment.  

As a business owner and real estate investor, it's not always simple to find capital. The banks turn down tons of business. How do I know? I have been there.Does that mean your deal is dead? NO. Reach out to me h...

thanks so far i am planning on buying a duplex as my first home living in one half and renting out the other and then going from there.

They are about half way through the original $50K at the moment.

It does not make sense for you to paid the full month's rent when you are not allow to live there for half of the month potentially and who is insuring your personal items within the apartment in the case of a collapse?

Her plan has always been to sell the house (or refi) at some point, and when that happens, to split his half of the house and disburse it amongst the kids.

I understand that at that point you will also have roughly half the principal paid back but I would look for property where you can get 1% of the purchase price (maybe even 1.25%) back in gross rent.Also, where are you getting your property tax number?

Heck, if I were in your shoes I'd even divide that amount and invest half into proven stocks and the other half on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

Since collectively they would make up an uncertain one-half, one-third, etc. of the lease, it’s best to have each qualify for his/ her own separate lease.