We would recommend Peterson Housing, at 3115 S Grand, phone number 664-5051. Remember, it is not uncommon for many of us to have issues that we need to deal with before we can qualify for a home mortgage. These include unpaid student loans or other credit bills, late payments, bankruptcies, foreclosures, etc. The first idea is to think very carefully about how much work you need to do to make the house as liveable as you need it. For example, you may choose to not finish a third floor or a back room, or install a third bathroom, if you know that you do not need it.
Some people do just pay cash for their building.
However, that also means that they are committing themselves to rehabbing the building on their own. This option is only realistic for someone who has the time, patience and skill to manage a long-term rehab project. While it may seem more expensive, it is better in the long run for you to get a mortgage and pay for the work up front. Most of the older homes in the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group need some form of rehab. Before you buy a home, you should be clear about the work that needs to be done.