But from my experience sifting through forums - some viable options for RE investing seemed to be within: Inglewood, Hawthorne, Arts District, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, etc.

Better to get the project rocking ASAP.

I would tell mom to kick rocks, if she isn’t on the lease, and speak directly with the daughter though.  

The power lines are hanging down in the yard but I don’t see much more besides some mold from roof leaks and the rest would need to be gutted and re-rocked maybe move a wall or two to open it up for what we are looking to do.

It will be announced shortly that a Hard Rock Casino is coming to my hometown in Northern IL with development beginning almost immediately.

I may be stuck between a rock and a hard place. 

You speak of the Ayatollah of Rock 'n Rollah, The King of Jack 'n Cola. 

I live in Round Rock Tx and I’m getting into the temple tx market the drive from where I live is roughly an hour 30.

Both would help put up sheet rock and mud and tape and paint through the years.

Landlordology.com has a great section on this and helped me immensely when I was getting started.Have a rock solid lease that covers any potential situation.One way to handle all of this is by paying a property management company to handle all of these things for you.