That said, I’m waiting for the panic to die down and market recover somewhat before I take my distribution.

I'm sure you can understand this is to protect your mothers belongings and make sure the Executor has access to the belongings to distribute to the rightful heirs or if need be to sell them off to cover debts such as past due rent. 

@Peter Nikic and @Jamie Heath I'm from Syracuse, but the subject property is out of state.

If not, I think you can just be thankful for distribution checks.

It is the ability to take a taxed distribution from the IRA/401(k) with a waiver for the additional 10% penalty that normally applies to an early distribution prior to age 59 1/2.Due to the need to pay taxes and the cost of needing to amend prior year returns to get those taxes back, this is not likely "easy access short term money for investing". 

It would have been appropriate to look up the subject area before providing negative feedback on the deal.

Both are highly subjective, based on size/length of driveway, asphalt (cheapest) vs concrete (more expensive vs pavers (most expensive).

There are a number of blogs/posts on the BRRRR method, which takes advantage of the cash back refi and Bigger pockets also wrote a book on the subject (also available on audio book) the book does a great job of breaking down the pros and cons and walking you through the process. 

Do I refer them to a local subject-to investor?

Relevant data leads to more objectivity and by extension less subjectivity.