Get the family contact info from your friend and a couple of days after the funeral call to let them know you heard the home may be listed and you are interested.

We've been chatting with insurance brokers and a couple things have come up that I'm not sure about and don't know if they brokers really know either.The property will be owned in the LLC's name.

I'm a helper at heart and a total newbie...I've been talking with a gentleman that has a rental property I'm interested in for buy/hold.

more than likely your strategy will not work the hard money lender will want first position and a conventional lender will not want a second

Along with a check list and a timeline for the process.

It has major universities near by and a growing mobile population.  

They have two programs - and the prices start at $499 annual subscription (but have to pay all at once, but tallys $33 mo avg)...and a more expensive Platinum Plan, that right now is almost another $500...but has additional categories, as well as being able to search according to Equity in the deal, and i think that is where they offer lots more offerings such as Loan/Mtg info; City/State Liens; HOA liens; and more. 

I have been researching the areas of Waltham, Watertown, Newton, Somerville, Medford, Melrose, Wakefield, Reading and a few others.

I'm leaning more for properties in the Saratoga region since it's a bit closer to my work and a bit closer to Montreal, where I'm originally from.

As an FYI here in NJ you pay state income tax and a local municipality property tax.