How can I get a house that is bad, in need of repair but means CHEAP, heard about it a little?

See, I had a BAD stroke. Soon however I am getting over $7,000 (YES !!!!!) so, okay ... I would like to get a house and I have heard there are ways to get houses that NEED repair but means CHEAP. I want to move to Reno, Nv. OR Sacramento, Ca. Okay, HOW can I get that, I do not know, sounds good though and since I have been on the streets since I left the hospital, this CAN be GREAT. HELP, please ... Also I have two kids and if I get a house and fix it up, etc... I will FINALLY get my babies BACK ! HELP PLEASE, for all 3 of us...