Since all probate laws are by state, it will depend on where the probate is being administered and the capacity, powers and authority that they seek and are granted.An informal summary probate has the advantage of a short(er) duration but does not provide for any interim powers to sell until distribution, unlike a formal probate.Your best course of action is to seek to connect with PR 's having big issues that are difficult for them to solve.

@Patrick Desjardins The main thing I have advocated in this and the other thread like you is get the "official" payoff statement and operate from knowing not speculation.  

Makes me wonder how long they have been evading the authorities.

Up till now they would charge a $25 fee to officially decide if your desired paint change or stucco or plastic astro turf was an acceptable change.

If I advertise an apartment for rent and I get a call from some asking if we do section 8, my answer could be no because we are not approved by the section 8 authorities.

http://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2015-12-09/your-home-really-isn-t-a-good-investmentI feel like the author is only looking skin deep as it relates to real estate investing.

You need to get it in writing and not rely on the phone line as official.  

@Leigh Cyou would love the book called "the Edison trait"Edison was laughed at in primary and in high school.The author Linda Paladino is well known in helping parents understand their "different kids"I will tell you this, real estate is a team game, and nice people finish first. 

Go to menu -> tools -> file place.You can also get an official state contractor from your realtor.

So now my campaign to be the first four-peater has officially begun.