This will vary depending on if a handyman can do the job or a licensed contractor is needed.

I had already been in real estate for 5 years and thought I had seen it all.  

Materials have increased more than 20% in the last 5-8 years.

A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

Any licensing? 

I am a twenty year plus licenses GC who has built over 100,000,000. in commercial and residential construction in the NY, NJ, PA, CT and CA marketplaces.

I would fist run the numbers to see if it is a good deal at the price and everything else, and then I would drive down the streets to see if you see any licensed contractor signs/trucks.

It is a great deal for the silent investor as they typically make 50% - 100% COC in less than a year.

I walked to the house and met a man who says he was cleaning out due to the loss of their mother in some few weeks back.The guy told me she is  left with 12 years mortgage on the property to pay the bank.

I don't know about your state but mine (TN) has a lookup tool that will show you the agent's original license date, the brokerage incorporation date, etc.