The prior action might even have made things more difficult if a large amount of back payments were in a repayment plan that would likely require payment now.As for gaining control of his estate, you need to decide if it makes sense (if there is lots of equity remaining after payment of debts) and if you are the best choice for resolving this, especially if you have the financial resources and understanding to resolve.If you don't think you are up to these challenges, you won't have to be concerned with either repairing the house or the debt.

You're right about the neighbors being your best bet, though depending on the location of the parcel, I have heard of some people putting billboards up on their crap pieces of vacant land and renting the billboard space out...Hope that helps a little

You just have to be able to evaluate the property the location, check your numbers for what you want to do with the property and make your own choice.

As a Real Estate Investor, your job is to make an appointment, and go through all of the sellers' choices after you walk through the house.If there is little equity/pretty house, you can rent it out, sell on sub2, wrap, lease option, etc.If there is mid equity/pretty house, you can list it, sub2 and a note, lease purchase, wrap, lease option assignment, sandwich lease, master lease, etc.If it is free and clear/pretty house, installment sale, list it, lease purchase, wrap, lease option assignment, sandwich lease, master lease, etc.If it is a "mild rehab", see about a JV with the seller, give the seller a note for equity no payments for 4 months, use private money for rehab, get on title with a sub2 or wrap, then sell it and pay off the seller and the private lender, earn 10% for a JV fee.See https://vimeo.com/131984718

I had a fire last year and was lucky to have taken a second with my credit union as the first mortgage with a bank wanted to sign over the insurance check to the main contractor who was ultimately only doing 40% of the work and I was having the rest done by my contractor's or choice or myself.

I don't know of any pattern block.Your best bet is to hit the internet and search for images of what your like and then drill down to local suppliers. 

But I would not be willing to bet on that.

I bet it's such a huge relief to see you were right.

DeSoto is a great choice.  

Any background on the Tokyo market choice?