"Natural" remedies (borax, salt, D. earth) aren't going to help in the short term & in my experience, those buggers can breed faster than any of those things can kill them. 

I am pursing this path because I enjoy working with people/teams, the nature of the work (risk/return), and results (project/$/ A to Z).

Properties are located in a beautiful region of the Catskill Mountains, several within one mile of the Delaware River.Properties are located in three townships: Callicoon, Delaware and Fremont.Properties are concentrated in the southern tier of New York State in and around the Marcellus Shale, the largest shale plate in the US, often called the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas."

The natural fear is fine, I can get through that and have before. 

It all sounds very risky to me but IF I were to do anything of this nature I would:1.

Lots can happen to sis' share due to 'pig in a poke' nature of heir's equity in an estate (unknown  creditor claims, etc.).Q: if this were not your Brother's property, would you consider buying it?

You also didn't indicate whether you were targeting properties that needed work or they will be rather turn-key in nature. 

I have been reading everything I can get my hands on.I run a small  HVAC / home repair business and that is why I am thinking about getting into real estate investing, it seems like such a natural  transition fo for me.

The politics of the city have also prevented drastic changes, although I think there is always some movement or another trying to revitalize the city.

Once you get all that overgrowth out, and restored its going to look incredible inside with all that natural light coming in.What potential!