If there are circumstances that preclude us from getting pro photos we start with cell phone pics just to get it listed, but that would be 1-2 weeks max. 

In normal circumstances (not a death), you have to keep items for 30-60 days depending on local laws and then you can toss them.

You may also improve your chances of locating innovative financing by networking within the real estate industry, forming relationships with motivated sellers, and real estate experts.While these methods are possible, the current real estate market conditions, local regulations, and individual seller circumstances can impact their applicability.

Brand new knob and tube would be marginally ok, if you added a ground wire. 125 yr old wire of any kind is a hazard, and knob and tube in particular has a lot of issues Some of the previous posters have tried to justify it saying that it is legal because it was up to code when installed.....but they neglect to say that any K&T system still in place has certainly been altered, modified, added to since it was installed...and that automatically makes it illegal.

My property manager is great in these circumstances - glad to make the intro if you are interested

And you should be able to demonstrate those circumstances. 

But in certain circumstances, you can access the money before 59.5 either through a loan or through a withdrawal without incurring a penalty.

This is another area that can get very complicated depending on the circumstances.

How can that girl expect to hold on to her family property under those circumstances? 

One can easily manipulate COC numbers up or down simply by neglecting or being proactive on cap-x alone.