There isn't any harm to go further back, you just might start to get diminishing returns since some of the executors might have already sold the property or listed it with an agent.  

I have said that eventually deals will surface as a buyer-borrower attempts to seek financing under a contract or other possible events occur, now that period of clear sailing may have a hurricane blowing in.

It's not whether the 50% rule works or not, it's whether the property makes sense as an investment given the fact that the 50% rule will occur (approximately, over time).  

And if you put it under contract and it's not moving them as long as you have your out clauses in there and you can't sell it then no harm no foul.

At which point, if the redemption occurs in the first year, the buyer receives all necessary costs plus 25%.

I'm going to get my own LLC. it just makes things easier and no harm no foul later right. 

If an emergency ( water pipe, heat etc) occurs you can call me after hours, other then that I hope you can peacefully live your life and I live mine... 

I already know I'm at 80% LTV max, plus the balance has been paying down for 5 years (and I'm on a 10-20 year amortizations so pay-down is occurring more rapidly than a 30 year). 

One thing that did occur was that the auction company "appeared" to be trying to bump up the price above some unknown "reserve".  

@Roland Paicely  That thought had occurred to me, but unfortunately its out of the question, he has made it clear he just wants to sell it and move on, and from what I know of his personal circumstances I believe him.