That still doesn't change the fact that with 7 siblings it can be real tough especially when they find out money is involved.

We haven't done a deal since because he is opening a business.I have 40k in savings, only debt is car payment of 365, no rent/mortgage living with sibling, not married no kids.

Just out of curiosity, is the sibling now the legal the owner of record?

Should I get the loan approval letter in NY or when I visit my siblings for the whole Thanksgiving week, at a local mortgage lender near them?

That's generally "family" siblings, cousins and such.Mom is probably a different story, parents usually don't want to "short" their kids, be a burden, but you know mom better than we do!

I am a hard money lender but would not walk down that path with my siblings.  

To correct the problem, I was told by a probate attorney's assistant (because of my prior experience as a legal secretary) that I should prepare a small estate affidavit, having the document signed, notarized by all siblings and two witnesses.

They were basically accidental landlords, who worked hard at their other professions, who were lucky to have good tenants.These building will pass down to the sibling ( my friend) and his brother as inheritance and will be 50/50 ownership.

Best I can hope for is give my most trustworthy sibling power of attorney as a backup for major issues, and leave the rest to property management.

If I were in your shoes, though, I would reach out to a parent, grandparent, older sibling (even your current boss) and try to get someone to cosign a mortgage for you.