@Robert Cook I am NOT an attorney, however all I do is CA probate related transactions for the last 25+ years.You are asking a number of questions and its apparent you are only exploring your family's options.The existing mortgage (likely still in Dad's name) may not be accelerated due to transfer to a direct lineal heir, so any one or more of your siblings may accept distribution of with much worry about the loan requiring payoff.As for the inheritance, the heirs are entitled to the NET equity in all assets after settlement of the estate debts.

I went to Stevenson, but only crossed over to the cook county side to go to Taco Bell. 

In Cook County it can take a year or more for an eviction.If the property was vacant it can still take several months after auction just to receive the deed and gain possession in Cook County.

They don't do real cooking--they just use the microwave (by their own choice).

Engineering expenses can be surprisingly expensive, especially if local authorities will require some type of water retention system to compensate for the fact that large amounts of soil with vegetation, that used to absorb rainfall, will now be covered with concrete and asphalt. 

The 3 main advantages of an STR over a motel room are being able to cook, doing laundry, and having more space.The owner of the cheap motel sold it this month, but is helping run it. 

Cook. 

The insurance settlement exceeded the cost plus it sure was nice getting everything repaired 'turn key' where I did nothing.The common denominators here are LOW INCOME TENANT along with COOKING IMPAIRED.While I cannot raise the IQ of my tenants, they now all have fire extinguishers...

I'm not familiar with Cook County rules and I am NOT a tax investor.That said, I don't think the city would have anything to do with this provided you paid off the taxes as part of a purchase agreement with the owner.

Some sellers cook the books and others just did not keep track all that accurately.2.