You'll want to talk to a local probate attorney to see how much time that could take.If the squatter is not making mortgage payments, you've got perhaps another month or two before the lender begins foreclosure proceedings.In your situation, I would approach the squatter to see inside the property to assess the condition.

Thanks for sharing your insights Bonnie, I love the approach that you take! 

Understanding the numbers is key to knowing whether a project will be successful or if it’s better to walk away.That said, it’s also true that every market is different, and combining a solid business approach with lifestyle goals can create unique opportunities.

Definitely stretching my operational capacity little by little sounds like a conservative and reasonable approach to growing the scope of my business. 

Developing that trust with someone you don't know may seem like a challenge, but if you approach it correctly, you should be able to achieve a pretty solid foundation of trust.The best way is to talk to others who have had an experience investing with the sponsor already.

So now I'm in a position where I can approach investing/landlording as a full time job if I want and try managing my properties myself, which is something I'd like to learn.

I admire that you've handled most of the filings yourself, but I’d prefer to take a more hands-off approach.

They can offer a more hands-off approach while you get your feet wet.

I'm interested in a similar approach: live in one unit and rent out the rest.

Very wrong approach!