It is actually very difficult to know exactly what they are thinking.

How much would you be willing to pay for the house in an as is condition?

Not exactly sure where you're at in your journey, but some things I would recommend are:Read Brandon Turner's book on Rental Property Investing https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/rental-investing-digitalRead David Greene's book on long distance investing https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/long-distance-real-estate-investing-ebookListen to the BP Real Estate podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastListen to the BP money podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/moneyshowAttend your local REIA meetings to networkStart analyzing deals to get practice running the numbersKeep engaging on the BP forums and make connections!

The exact nature of your legal situation will depend on many facts not known to me (us) at this time.

Anthony -  thanks for the question … I would recommend that you  contact  your bank  and whomever else you want ...using the same  exact  scenario and questions - outline / ask  whatever questions you have ...maybe gets some  basic  quotes ….once these  conversations are  completed - make a  decision as to whom you want to use for the  pre approval/ pre underwritten process ….. the FHA  product is  very homogenous and  shouldn't  be too much different from one lender to another ….. the  customer service might make a difference

I don't know exactly why they left, but they weren't with the company long enough to experience any kind of slow down.Personally, because of the technology they offer, my business has exploded this year.I've never had clients comment on my brokerage and if it were me buying or selling, I don't care about the brokerage.

Prevailing local market conditions will make a big impact on what an agent can get for you. 

That’s exactly my challenge is trying to determine if its worth the work and expense of getting a judgment against her or not.

I kept cap ex and repairs at 5 % with it being built in 1972 and looks in decent condition, however an inspection may say otherwise.  

That will depend upon the condition of the properties you buy, and your tolerance for risk.