Taking advantage of opportunities is what investors do regardless of the circumstances.

I believe you have to wait for the seasoning period to be complete and/or move / have extenuating circumstances.

Is there a way to secure a bank loan in these circumstances?

We also have parents as co-signers, and that helps preclude neglect when the parents know they're also on the hook if little Junior destroys the place. 

And while there's no overabundance of case law I'd recommend trying to stay away from for the year before you sell unless you document circumstances, motivations, and justifications very thoroughly.After the completion of a 1031 it's a different story.  

I'm concerned that circumstances may require selling before the 15-25 years are up and because I don't have legal title I can't do that.

I'm concerned that circumstances may require selling before the 15-25 years are up and because I don't have legal title I can't do that.

It's in a great location, and is really a beautiful property but has just been neglected for some time.

Hope that makes sense, the bottom line is shop around and choose which loan product works best for your particular circumstances.

I am friendly with both the stroke survivor and investor and after hearing the circumstances was wondering  (hoping) he might have some kind of coverage.