I'd do what you can to keep yourself uninvolved with it....but still help your Grandma of course..A trip to the City (Planning/Zoning/Building Depts) will give you some valuable info.

Then, start building your connection with local agents, contractors and property managers.2. 

But I’d say the key to success is building a reliable team on the ground.

If you're open to exploring new markets, this could be a great way to pick up properties for cheap and build cash flow with a much smaller upfront investment.

My goal is to build a successful flipping business while keeping family time a top priority.

You're better off focusing on specific markets, specific neighborhoods, analyzing numbers, and building an ideal buy [box].

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.

Are the new builds for owner/occupants or build to rent?

When it comes to these types of auctions by the sheriff, is there a waiting period that must be observed before rehabbing/renting the building post winning the bid?

And your net worth will thank you.If you still want to go ahead, you'd be better off buying a house than an apartment because, while the value of the building itself will go to 0, you'll still have the value of the land, bearing in mind that the land might actually lose value too given the depopulation and the yen depreciation.Sorry if I'm pooping a party but make sure you understand what you're getting into (which you're already doing by asking the forum) and then make the decision that's right for you according to your objectives.