Originally posted by wolf_Q

... Small, dumpy, old houses are priced at 100,000-110,000.
Ocassionally you can find them for $75,000-90,000 but
usually they are in very bad shape or in a scary neighborhood.
Amy ~

Try looking a littlr farther "OUT of town"...
Like more in the "country" -
might have a septic system rather than a sewer;
and a well rather than city water;
and no sidewalks...
But Country Livin IS (sometimes) a bit cheaper!

Other thoughts:

Check on a "Mobile Home" and/or a "Modular Home" -
they are a LOT less expensive than
a "site-built" home; and if you get one that's been built
within the last 5-7 years - they ARE built better than they used
to be - and are a LOT more FIRE-safe nowdays.

You have to be careful -
MANY Communities have zoning regulations that prohibit the
"Mobile" or "Modular" homes on standard building lots;
but it's worth checking into.

Another way to get into a house is to locate an elderly person
or couple with a BIG house they have trouble maintaining...
Offer to "Live In" for paying low rent;
or maybe help with housekeeping in exchange for rent.

Good Luck!!

/s/ Phred