Just as precaution I might venture to clean that up with proper trust acknowledgements from good ole David as needed.In regards to occupancy, my guess is mom may not reside in the property any longer.  

Any other considerations or precautions i should be taking?

There are precautions by doing monthly inspections, etc...

13 steps to taking a picture from a potential second story level view.if you're really serious about taking a pic from a 2 story level, i have my practical 2cents to throw in :)1. determine what height your view would be2. determine length of your the telescoping pole you just used today3. height from #1 - length of telescoping pole + 2 feet + = height of ladder you'll need4. get the size of ladder you'll need (as referenced in #3.)5. bring tape measure6. bring a friend (who's not afraid of heights)7. have friend hold ladder (or you hold ladder) - whoever's not afraid of heights8. climb up that ladder w/tape measure9. measure the 2ft as referenced in #3.10. do not climb beyond the 2ft point from the top of ladder to where you will stand (safety precaution/stability)11. set timer on your camera12. push telescopic pole (that already has your camera set and ready to go) and set on a step of the ladder13. don't forget to share your pics w/the group!

Then he or she didn’t say a word or take any precautions because they want a paying tenant? 

This is an extremely weird and awful weather year where I live.It is just myself and my husband working on the house, and unfortunately, we are having to sand/grind all the way down to the redwood siding in most cases, which is taking forever (along with all the environmental precautions we are taking every time we work).

You insurance company may have guidelines on what safety precautions you need to take to keep you covered.You may also want to think about electrical and hot water? 

However, I do agree that this side of town requires more precaution.

It sounds like you are proceeding with the correct precautions and awareness.  

A few large business purpose loan companies were requiring the investors to own a primary residence as a precaution after they did some loans owner occupied loans with non-owner or non-Dodd Frank guidelines and got burned.