The trades were swamped (pun?)

Also it seems a pool would be a risk for requiring repairs that don't increase the house value.One thing with flips is you want to limit your time on market, so you want the broadest potential buyer pool(no pun intended) possible. 

So next up is really nailing down the cost of the wood floors (no pun intended) and trying to cut our holding period way down.Thank you so much for helping us think through this one!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but currently the loan and the liability all lie (no pun intended, hehe) with the deceased.

No pun.

I also have a soft spot (pun intended) for BBQ turkey in any traditional BBQ style and for a good bowl of beef Pho. 

You already have some tools in your toolbox....no pun intended.

I like this area for the following reasons:Good job market, pacific rim access for new  immigrants and investors funds who like west coast investments, still affordable housing relative to other west coastal markets ( Bay Area, LA, San Diego, Sacramento, Phoenix) The fact  that its  a cool (no pun intended) place to live for millenials make this a huge positive play.

You already have some tools in your toolbox....no pun intended.Now, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/invitesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

But not everyone would be that good at it, or want to do it, so not sure it's fair to completely discount (ha, pun) the idea of a PM.