We suddenly had 2 homes and began exploring what our options were and that is when we discovered the intriguing world of REI and tapped into Bigger Pockets and Better Life Tribe, etc. to begin our education.In the time since his death and the probate process we have been paying his mortgage off and selling items from the home which we have been maintaining.

Networking and doing the legwork of marketing is really the only way you'll find off market deals. 

First off, congratulations on your condo's appreciation from $373k in 2018 to $450k now. 

That would be 1,200 listings right off the top. 

All of that is independent of one-off maintenance costs - for example, trimming my palms costs $100 a couple of times per year.

For the renovation i would call 3 contractors off of google and have them give you estimates for the renovation .

A contract for deed doesn’t transfer legal title, it’s a contract that states title WILL BE transferred when the loan is paid off, or a specific amount of equity is accumulated in the property.  

Is that off the appraisal value or the purchase price? 

I'd start off with reading Avery Carl's book "Short-term rental, long-term wealth" if you haven't already.

Trusting others and handing off work.