I can then use this cash in case of an "emergency" such as a new A/C unit, renters don't pay, can't find a renter, they trash the place, etc.The last things I want to do are borrow money from friends and family, rack up credit card debt, or hastily sell the house.Thanks for the advice.

That could play into whether or not the lien will be wiped out in the event of a Debtor's bankruptcy. 

Ch. 13 is only possible for debtors with enough documentable income to support a payment plan.  

I am a bankruptcy attorney on the debtor's side.

You need to think about the psychology of the Debtor, and the likelihood they would file for Bankruptcy and null your judgment.

In reality there is no good debt or bad debt - there's only cash-on-hand, debt, and the opportunity costs and risks of trading between those two.

You will still have to go through probate and contact any other heirs, debtors etc to see who else might have a claim on the property, including the possibility of a newer will. 

On October 7 HUD issued a ruling that all apartments using agency debt or those with housing assistance must now give 30-days notice to residents before starting to evict them. 

If you are using cash out to pay off consumer debt or buy a personal residence, the interest is not deductible. 

At least HELOC is cheaper than private money or hard money.Borrow, buy property, stabilize it, refinance and pay down your debt or buy another property.