Hey Jonathan the first steps I would recommend as a new investor is to get a handle on analyzing the income, expenses and ROI of these properties in Bridgeport.You can use the Bigger Pockets calculators to start. 

They told me they could not handle the rats anymore and decided to leave.

Would like to understand the process of handling property from the moment the owner passes away.

Plug yourself in to as many groups as you can handle and start soaking up knowledge. 

It takes a certain type of investor to handle those type of deals.Buying a note that gives you 10% is fine if you understand the equity position and which position you are in. 

I'd be interested to hear about this deal in columbus if you could send me some info on it and how you handled it and why you decided to do it as well. 

Seems you don't have a handle on who your tenants are and aren't sure about with whom you're communicating.

However, water issues can cause real nightmares if not handled quickly, so use your best judgement.2.)

I've got a good handle on what the property is worth, but am sticking a bit on the value of planted pine.  

Like I said its just laughable that these folks posting on here think that good agents cant handle the same issues.. and that only a non licensed and non supervised civilian with limited training is all of a sudden a real estate expert and problem solver. its just these folks way to edify their position .. and Mary I work In about 20 states and in the inner cities of many of these ..