thank you @Jim AdrianI have checked the fema maps as well, and it seems like it's right at the border between low/high risks.

@Wayne Brooks The grandmother inherited them from her deceased brother.

Real estate agents are licensed by state, some states are reciprocal but unless your agent is from a border city or grew up where you are buying you should get a local agent because at least in theory they should know the market better.

After years of saving and the last few months of looking at different properties to purchase, I have amazingly had my first offer accepted on a deceased, 1 bedroom apartment estate. 

Thanks everyone,   First of all, you should get advice from a cross-border legal and/or tax accounting specialist, not taking advice as gospel on a real estate forum. 

3 weeks into probate, all assets in mothers (deceased) name and only one heir.

I think the parents are deceased - not diseased. :)  It sounds like the family totally dropped the ball.

The municipalities in Genesee County that border Oakland and Livingston are very affluent.  

Also try Facebook, then you can also Google the deceased obituary to see if you can find another heir.

I'm not an attorney or accountant so you both should talk to cross-border ones to make sure you each do what is best for your specific situation.