@Michael Noto@Natalie Kolodij responded first and put it succinctly, no manner how busy a self-employed individual is, they always leave time for marketing each week, otherwise the business will not survive. 

Just decide what works best for you and for the surviving child.   

I think you're probably out of luck on your 16k, and that you will need to get in line behind the mortgage lender.Perhaps your second position lien will survive the judgment and you can seek a garnishment down the road.

Don't put yourself in a bad spot with no money and no real estate experience and expect to pay your bills to survive.

I would like to know does utilities lien survive after tax sale ( wiped out) or new owner needs to pay?

*In general*, equitable title vests immediately upon passing and probate is about transferring legal title (though in TX, intestate heir has to survive 120-hours). 

The ultimate goals I have in mind are essentially financial freedom (to keep it fairly broad), but I would eventually like to build a legacy through real estate that survives me.I look forward to working with you all throughout this journey, and hope that I can be as much help to you as you have been to me!

If you tweak the financing right - 40% or 35% down, your CoC return goes up and you still have equity to survive a downturn, and you have more cash in the bank as a cushion, or buy another one.5 units starts commercial property in the eyes of a bank. 

Surely if MIL members can survive marriages moving every two years, they will hopefully be able to work through it. 

Sounds like you'd take a hit on lifestyle, but you could downgrade and survive comfortably.