However, there were a lot of intelligent activists who were very involved in how the City and schools were shaped.  

I agree but will state what you likely are implying…there is no way the death is the reason the property is offered and not sold at $200k below market. 

I've found Colorado to be one of the most expensive in the US, maybe followed by Park City/Deer Valley, Utah.

What state are you planning to purchase this duplex in?

I had been looking for properties around the area I currently live, but very few make sense in regard to the numbers given the current state of the economy.

We recently bought and rehabbed a standalone Philadelphia townhome - the city knocked down the townhomes on either side about 5-6 years ago.

Alabama counties don't all designate it the same, but in the largest county, Jefferson, R/S means that no one bid on the property at the tax sale so the property was bid in by the state and then it was ReSold to an investor. 

- Location Focus: Promising cities/neighborhoods for multifamily investments in Texas?

What you will want is a QI that is well versed in working with closing attorneys in an attorney closing state like NY. 

@Jay DeckerThe great thing is that you live within Washington State which does not have a state income tax.You may be required to file a non-resident return with Ohio and Iowa.