Great to see active Tampa users on the site!

Anyway it is extremely laudable that you took such a bold plunge into real estate investing without the relevant experience, not a major issue though as there are many here that would be willing to guide you. 

Don't know the risk of doing any major renovations within that time,mcreating some "equity" above the auction sale price.

Default tenant that owes several months back rent has finally moved out and my mom who is the new new owner (brother died and left house and assumable mortgage to her in his will) is trying to get gas service but the gas company says service is still active and past due balance under tenant's name.What is the best resolution?

My only advice on this is find someone who is very active in the market and has their finger on the pulse of the market.Whether that is an investor, or a brokerage either can be great.  

To break it down very simply, architects see buildings as environments for people to house specific activities while real estate professionals (developers) see buildings as investments. 

You are bringing a major convenience to the seller, in that he doesn't have to wait 6/12/18/24 months to get his house sold or worry about marketing to find sellers, he can walk away and have it off his hands in a matter of days/weeks. 

I narrowed it down to my major strategy/criteria.

Include a copy of the inspection report noting the active infestation and showing any damage.

Being an active investor and licensed agent I now spend my working hours managing our portfolio of 28 units (soon to be 35 next month) and helping clients grow theirs.