However; the real estate market here hasn't stopped at all, and it's blazing.

You all must agree to the same thing or else you will just end up fighting about what to do.Since your mom doesn't have it in a living trust, I suggest you do that right away.

The real question is have you done enough due diligence? 

Curious to know opinions from real estate agents, flippers, developers and anyone in the know regarding what home buyers generally would prefer.

I am looking to purchase real estate for both investment purpose as well as to offset as much tax liability as possible. 

That 4% mortgage is a real asset.

I am new to the real estate investing space. 

You must work at least 750 hours per year in a qualified RE business.So most people who have high-earning W-2 jobs outside of real estate won't qualify.But the unique thing about RE pro status is that even if you don’t qualify but your spouse does, you can both file jointly and claim the losses from your RE investments to offset your other active income together.It's an incredibly powerful benefit if you do meet the criteria.

It would be a great opportunity to extend out to some real estate professionals.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?