Along with that, they may even be willing to fund some or all the repair costs of the property.

I thus recommend you always list the decedent's name, the executor's name, the case number and the property address in communications to lawyers.

You just really have to do your due diligence and communicate with the town before purchasing to see what the required time frame is for the repairs to be completed in. 

You can ask for one on one education, explain that you really want to understand how the deal works and they will spend time with you and explain.You also learn how you should communicate with an investor in the future when it is your deal.There will be things you like and things you don’t like.

OR, do you want to be an active investor where you take on some or all of those responsibilities?

We have the funds to have this work done, and I could probably do much or all of this work myself.We did make an offer of $262k, ($3k below asking).

@Nate Tauferner for me it would be lack of communication / follow up.

Tax courts have sided with individuals based on oral testimony of their weekly activities. 

For example, for SFH or duplex, normally owner is not responsible for utilities, but for 5+, owner can be responsible for some or all utilities. 

The institution counters and awards bids and communicates through the REO agent.