Copy of Death Certificate, Print off Copy of Property Tax information.Check Probate courts for her name and see if anything has been entered as a case in probate court.

BiggerPockets is a great start towards getting deals done correctly and reaching out to seasoned real estate investors.I agree that you can definitely get a lot out of the real estate course, whether or not you take the certification.

Not really much on investing or value add.I've taken a look at the online certificate offerings from Cornell; they have some classes that seem to deal with investing in and valuing properties.Tons of info on apartments out there, very little on the hotel business.  

I also obtained certification in mitigation for foreclosures, short sales and tax sales for Global Equity Lending and American Home Lending.

These are just some things I came up with to ease into RE...If I decide RE is right for me by reading on BP and such, my future plan would probably be to sign up for an online real estate class with Moseley and get my RE Salesman Certification.  

Yet I see investors doing crazy things like this in real estate.Better in my opinion to take a diversified approach to real estate. 1/3 in wealth preservation strategies without partners like performing notes at 50% LTV (which I have) or tax lien certificates.

It will be critical to try and pass your test on 1st attempt because the certificate will the be good for 6 years verses 3.IMPORTANT,,,all certificates expire at deed transfer and the new owner has NO GUARATEE of future passing.

I'm studying for my home inspector certification and know how to do some handyman stuff so putting in sweat equity wouldn't be a problem.

You pay your rent before the due date, you'll receive a $50 certificate.

I have lots of clients buying expired tax certificates (meaning "ripe" to go to tax deed) and they have been very pleased with the prices and the process.