Sounds like the universal sentiment is to sell the properties.

You don't want to move her stuff, because there could be something of sentimental value that gets lost.

If you where a newbie in my shoes, how would you solve this problem to make a profit and also keep something with sentimental value.

It was my first house and has sentimental value, since I paid cash for it when I was in my mid twenties, but holding onto it has major capex payments coming. 

This sentiment was amplified by my emotions of not wanting to truly work the door knocking appropriately.  

So my thoughts are that 1) there is a lot of sentimental value in this home since she's been there for the past 36 years, and 2) she doesn't realize how much work needs to be done to the property to restore it and get it back to good condition.  

Although I am not familiar with this service (so I can't really comment) - I do have to have to agree with Steve's sentiment. 

Great advice @Anthony Davis I would echo those sentiments particularly the recommendation regarding being relentless! 

I'd echo Michele's sentiments.

Thank you for all the help and the sentiment.