There is some good info in here, and thanks for suggesting me, Tim. OP we can sit down or set up a time to meet, even at your house. I need to see where your head is at, and talk you through some situations to see what your level of commitment is to living. I do home assessments, as well as teach weapons classes. I get where you are coming from, and that it is a tough spot to be in when learning this stuff for the first time. I'll offer to do yours for free and here's why. Reading through this, I'm concerned you may make a purchase or subject yourself to a future bad situation. I think you're a good guy just trying to get things in place to have a good life. Understand, when I do these home assessments, they are $50 an hour, and a 2-4 hour minimum depending on the size of the property. I will cover home safety with the occupants of the home, how not to look like an easy target, weapons that are the right fit for the home, and basic strategy for protecting yourselves from home intruders and thieves.
My phone number is in my signature. I hope to hear from you.