Apparently, since the house belonged to the daughter, it was a no asset estate and probate was not opened. 

A buyer might be ready,willing, and able but if they are not realistic it is a no go.Lots of sellers these days like 1031 buyer because they tend to pay top pricing to avoid a failed exchange and a big tax penalty.

I imagine there's some kind of bottom line recording fees etc that would make it a no-go below a certain level - or is there a bottom line number in dollars that is needed to get in and learn through partials?       

Afterwards you do a streamline refinance with a VA IRRL (interest rate reduction loan), which is a no documentation, no appraisal refinance that is at no cost to you that can only be done on a pre-existing VA loan.

You can get a no money down new construction on whatever land you can find, as long as you still qualify of course.  

@Chad Duval yes you can have a no pet policy.

Basically a no-doc loan.

That will determine what level of compensation another investor will feel you are entitled to. and then start pitching the idea. don't be too disappointed when you get a no. you will get a lot of them. but as you keep working at it your pitch will get better.

I wanted to purchase this building as a no money down or low money down opportunity.

I would say a no down payment is silly.