Here is a comprehensive guide to help out-of-town parents navigate the process effectively.1.

Anybody familiar with this case... and/or know the details of where more info on it can be found?

I will add, locality can help get an offer accepted.

We also have two of their courses available for free if you want to learn more about self directed iras on your own.  

@Clark Harbaugh, Given the favorable tax rulings over the last few years (in particular revolving around trusts and their equaling a beneficial interest in the underlining propery) the IRS has actually been much more lenient (or at least silent) on these issues. 

In my experience one of my biggest lessons learned when dealing with older properties always expect more than you initially thought. 

Hope this helps.

I have it narrowed down to two agents, one has more general experience in the area and are part of a large organization.  

A more intrusive approach would be to Google the owner name and see if you can find relatives and skip trace and call them.

Especially that I worked more than 250 hours on my properties this year.