the mortgage eliminates housing costs. Having multiple renters decreases the likelihood that one won't pay and it also spreads the liability. There are numerous people who would be willing to owner finance a run down property with the expectation that as it's fixed up, it becomes more valuable--especially older couples. With no housing expense and working credit as well as all the government programs, I would be doing very well. I would also take community college classes and further my education. Maybe it's naive, but I haven't seen a truly valid reason that it wouldn't work.