I am a local Central Houston agent, investor and developer. 

Cash out refi will be tough due to the price, not sure if there is a local bank you can reach out for the financing.

For example, I know a lady in my local market that is very successful in the land business and has developed a niche that cashflows very nicely, without a lot of stress, as she puts it though I can't imagine how that is possible. 

They also have monthly meetings, site visits to fix-n-flips, some classes, etc.I'm happy to connect you into the local investing community. 

You'll want to talk to a local probate attorney to see how much time that could take.If the squatter is not making mortgage payments, you've got perhaps another month or two before the lender begins foreclosure proceedings.In your situation, I would approach the squatter to see inside the property to assess the condition.

The best and largest QI firms in America can have less than stellar regional or local representation.  

Just call a local title company, find one with good reviews, and ask them to give you an idea of the fees. 

I learned the drywall was cracking in October, but I'm not local to it so I wasn't checking it regularly.   

Check county recordsUse online search tools like PropStream, Reonomy, PropertyShark, etc.Use local GIS mapping tools (ask your county)Search online directories for LLC or TrustTalk to neighborsHire a skip tracerSend a letter to the propertyThere are a lot of options.

The challenge is, I’m not familiar with the local market—or the Mississippi market in general.Does anyone have insight into the market in this area or know of investors interested in properties in western Mississippi?