Detroit Probate Process

[Mark Warlick]

I am looking to buy a non-performing note in Detroit as a property acquisition strategy.  The note is about $3k and the value of the property is around $20k-30k.  The owner is deceased.  So, rather than foreclosing on the deceased owner, I would like to facilitate having the property title transferred to an heir, then do a "cash for keys" deal with the heir.

First, does anyone know what the probate process is like in Detroit?  How much does it cost and what is the time frame for completion?

Second, is there a simple "transfer of title" of the property as an alternative to doing a full probate.

Thanks!!