Scattered across their floors and countertops are the evidence of their hurried departures: half-packed bags and unwashed laundry, children’s toys and textbooks, bills and paperwork, canned food and loaves of bread, pet cages and, in some cases, the pets themselves.

(Meanwhile I had to pay a "rent" that went into an account for major repairs) Me wanting a nice house to raise my children put a LOT of my own money in for cosmetic repairs and the house is now worth more than double the original purchase price. $219k - now $500k market price in very southern Maine/NH border.

Whether it's the 100 year old craftsmans, bombproof mid century ranchers, or the fun Tudor revival middle children.

In Las Vegas, the only segment with housing requirements that match a one-bedroom condo's characteristics are individuals and couples without children.

Each state can be a little different so the details matter. https://www.omglawfirm.com/arkansas-probate-intestate-succes...Here is the pertinent excerpt:If you don’t have a Will, the default order of descent goes like this: (1) full blood and adopted children of the decedent, subject to any dower, curtesy, and homestead interest of a spouse; (2) if no full blood or adopted children, then everything to a spouse of greater than three years or half of everything plus dower, curtesy, and homestead to a spouse of less than three years and the other half of everything to other heirs (per this table); (3) to the decedent’s parents or surviving siblings; (4) to the decedent’s grandparents or surviving aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.; (5) to the decedent’s great-grandparents or surviving great aunts, great uncles, etc.; (6) if none of those intermediate descendents are alive the remaining half can go to the spouse of less than three years or to a predeceased spouse’s heirs; (7) finally, if none of these apply, all the property escheats to the county where the decedent died.

There is some nuance to the situation if you add your children as employees vs 1099. 

I'm going to keep this method in mind when my children are ready to leave the nest.

He had no children or wife and is only survived by my mother who is aunt and a half brother.

You could talk to her and ask her once she's caught up if paying half on the 1st and half on the 15th is easier for her, but they MUST be paid on time.This may sound harsh, but you said "She has 3 children, and he bailed." 

And if you take them out for lunch or drinks to discuss their property, you can deduct those meals as business expenses too.If you have children and currently give them allowances, you could also consider employing them through the property management company.