As a control, I pulled a few multi families  from Phoenix Az and Portland OR and ran the numbers.   

The issue is how do I control this property in my situation.  

The only way I know to transfer the property directly from the probate estate to your buyer, thus avoiding a double closing, is for you to buy the beneficial interest of the heir(s), become the PR yourself, thus being in full control of the estate. 

He has no wife, no living parents, no children, and no siblings.  

I think it's one thing to spend that kind of money on a house that we could buy and over which we'd have control, but another to go into somebody else's deal. 

@Thomas Hart Getting a real estate website is an powerful tool that allow you to have full control over your brand.

Now is the time to establish a relationship with a title company. 3) How long has he had control over it and why hasn't it sold yet?

Lease to own is an excellent way to get control of the property.

They will if you look the other way.The above allows me to control the materials going in to my project, and allows me to eliminate a bad contractor or subcontractor without missing a beat. 

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.