Out of morbid curiosity... how long would you wait on a short sale to come to fruition? 

a bit morbid, but watch public records for divorces and deaths.

But once she passes on (morbid, I know...) this will be a smoking hot deal.

I suuuuper like probates because they're so freaking hidden and kind of fun to research (a bit morbid, I know). 

Seems morbid to just wait out someone's illness like that, but don't know of another option short of a risky QCD.  

It's kind of morbid but you just have to hope he doesn't outlive his money.

You could, potentially, keep executing 1031 exchanges until you die (morbid but effective), at which point, your heirs inherit your properties with a 'stepped up' tax basis equal to their FMV at the time of your passing. 

We get our realtor involved he gets some story about +7 liens and such totaling 250k, we pay the $175 for a title search with a trusted company out of morbid curiosity.

OK, you with the "Word of the Day" award for this one: "Atychiphobic", meaning morbid fear (in a nutshell).Too bad you had a typo on a smaller word "Alittle" :)Welcom to BP anyway.As to your question, not enough info for those who don't know you to give a real answer.

This may sound morbid but many Memphis residents actually thought the news coverage was comical.