Another thing I'll add is that if you look at their tax returns, I'll bet you will see that she isn't paying taxes on a lot of her retirement income. 

It depends on where the damage is what you would be looking at for cost but everyone is hedging there bets by saying I can't see what id's in the walls.

best bet is to hire a full season lawn / snow service that can do your property year round..Seasonal rates for each  snow and for lawn care.. get some bids.. your going to find the good companies are probably already booked for snow and won't touch you unless you contract with them also for lawn care.. so make sure and mention that when you call.. have them do the fall clean up.. and get started right away.. 

I bet that you will NOT be on the hook for the entire bill.  

I'd bet it gets taken care of one way or another.

I'd bet a box of donuts that you'll have a logo for LAZ, SP+ (Standard + Central Parking), etc. on it.  

Building these teams slows down my progression to new towns, but I feel more confident in what I buy in the towns that I am in. 

Sometimes a house is distressed to the point where banks won't lend so they can only work with cash buyers, throwing realtors in the mix just slows down progress on finding a qualified buyer.The market I invest in is pretty cool, so a house will sell for 60 or 70k, but it will be on the market for 6 months.  

., Memphis, Columbus, Cleveland, Philly, Pittsburg, Indianapolis and Milwaukee...........If it's CashFlow on Small MultiFamily 2-4 units your best bets for opportunity are Cleveland, Milwaukee and Columbus.

I think it is best you start by investing in your "backyard" in an area close to your home so you can closely monitor project progress while learning the ropes.