The home was totally remodeled in 2008 ( new windows, doors, sliding glass doors, deck, wall retexture, tile and wood flooring, carpets in bedrooms, paint, cabinets, bathrooms tiled, shower tiled, new vanities, new kitchen cabinets, granite tile counters, light fixtures, forced air unit installed, new appliances, everything.

b) Was the issue of how the squatters got in (breaking the door or a window) taken care of so that the property was secured?

Just about every window has a crack coming from the corner on the wall.

I usually put in metal screws at an angle to prevent someone from kicking in the backdoor instead of locking the deadbolt and screws to prevent someone from opening the downstairs windows

Within those structures I'd like to build with community in mind - E.G - purchase older 6 story facility a block away from downtown, repurpose to meet energy spec, convert to vertical farm OR mixed use property for 2 floors of condos/2 floors coworking spaces/2 floors retail and attract quality small business tenants to enhance neighborhood.

My rentals down the street, 3/1/1 each about 900 sq ft, built in the 50's, vinyl siding, original single pane windows with storm windows on them....I have about $55,000 in each of them.  

That way you manage expectations and reduce your costs.I recently had a unit turn over and removed the window air conditioner.

Depending on the extent of your rehab, you can buy used windows, doors, vanities 1st and frame around them.  

If you are unable to accomplish them within the time window, move on and come back. 

Few examples;I know a guy who lost a large window manufacturing company built by his father.