Off Market Duplex Opportunity — Next steps?!

[Kurt K.]

My wife and I just heard back about an off-market duplex (looking to house hack). It's been sitting empty for a while and has not been maintained as far as I can tell (not sure how long). A relative of the elderly owner reached out saying "they'd like to sell it but don't know how". As a first time buyer and investor, I really don't know either ha. Any advice/tips?!

- From initial phone call to closing — what does that process look like?

- Should we involve a realtor?

- Any tips for estimating repair? At what point do we involve a contractor for an estimate?

- I've read that 75% of ARV minus repairs is what you should offer. Is that accurate?

Since it's our first home purchase and what appears to be a property that may need a decent amount of work, I want to make sure we cover our bases and know exactly what we are getting into. 

Thanks for your help!