You are now saddled with bad debt feeding the beast each month.Check your local landlord/tenant laws and see how long it takes to get a tenant out (eviction).If you want to be a residential landlord you might want to buy a vacant value add and fix it up to get rent ready ( not sale ready) and build in some equity upside.

By state law properties are assessed at 6% of market value unless you apply for and receive the exemption for an owner occupied house.

Lessons learned:When someone in law enforcement tells you that gang activity is high in a neighborhood - believe them!  

Lots of agents also spend a good bit of their time continually learning, studying properties on the market, taking classes to perfect their understanding of new laws (hello, smoke alarms in Maryland!!)

I know the law for squatters rights but any loan to put water well and septic would require some document showing the property in my name.

 ( I took my test 30 years ago )  But a licensed contractor , is required by law to carry insurance .

We also go in and correct erroneous data, and enter information applicable as laws change, as school boundaries change, as jurisdictional borders change etc.

However, I love a good vision and I always talk about what the future holds for small towns around my state when laws and regulations change over time.

The title company will not issue you title insurance until the transaction complies with the law as they will be on the hook to make title right if they improperly close on your sale.In your situation depending on Texas probate law, the Widow may have to petition the local probate court to be appointed as her husband's legal representative to complete your transaction.

My current mindset is on buying a duplex or house with a mother-in-law apartment.