Just because he lived there for ages doesn't mean he was the legal owner.

Welcome to BP Ben.Ben, you're not ready to start there my friend, you need to begin at the beginning, basic RE, what is customary in your area.There are different situations, every deal is different, and ther is no answer to your questions, as it varies.I always suggest people begin by getting a book for real estate agents, even if you're not going to be an agent, it is used by the RE schools for agents.

Also, if he is to look for agents, is there any way he can try to narrow down agents with good track records who can help with a specific property like this?

I think teaming up is great for speeding up the fruit of our labor and Biggerpockets is a great place to get to know people and learn!

IMHO, I think it should be required for agents to learn about financing.

Fruit Cove, FL4.

@Will Barnard Haha yes you are correct, 25k buys you a fruit stand out here in Orange County if you're lucky.

I'm hoping 2015 will be the beginning to a fruitful REI career to supplement my (hopefully) successful real estate agent career.Long story short, I'm still starting.

This is how you bring something to the table as an incentive for agents to help you.

Same in the forums.Everything in your 3rd paragraph is out of the question, won't happen and sounds like you're getting pretty mixed up there guy.Get out of the guru stuff, all of it, don't begin with anything from anyone, spend one week with a real estate text book for agents in you state.