In both of my cases the heirs were interested in a quick resolution as then they could get their share of the proceeds.If it drags out a bit in probate they will still know of your interest...and you could remind them occasionally and keep the door open. 

I am an occasional golfer and love spending time on the range.

The chart of accounts will expand to reflect the common, and occasional, transactions that happen with a real estate business.  

We (and others) typically wait until property repairs are complete and occasionally the property must be rented.

Occasional but pretty rare.   

Most are to flippers but I do have the occasional owner of rentals that needs cash and I do those as well. 

In other words, are you willing to live in this property and do you have a good friend or significant other who will let you stay with them on the weekends and occasionally during the week?

The tenant occasionally gets the case worker on the phone but we never seem to be able to. 

I have long term Rentals in 7 states, and occasionally flip home when the opportunity arises.

I think that a lot of flippers (including one person I occasionally partner with) see a low-priced project house in their neighborhood and decide that if the HGTV yahoos can do it, then so can they.