I have several other prospects,  but in this off-season, nobody wants to do any business until after the holidays..

Reading books and blogs, interacting with other investors/mentors (both local and not)2) Research and purchase my first rental property within 3 months (with a preference for a duplex or triplex hack)3) Generate a smart portfolio of rental properties that reaches $5,000 in monthly cash flow within five years.4) Achieve a net worth of seven figures through organic real estate portfolio equity (ongoing).Life Goals:1) Lose 20lbs before February 1st  (Thanksgiving has lit a proverbial fire under me)2) Improve my softball swing during the winter in preparation for next season3) Ski Jackson Hole within the next 3 seasons (it's next on my hitlist)4) Achieve a comfortable living with a satisfying work/life balance (this is vague, I know, but I believe this vision will become clearer if I know at least what direction I'm steering)I appreciate any and all input, any stories, wisdom, pitfalls, triumphs, critiques, and opinions as I set off (and throughout) my journey.

While the law is pretty clear that money belongs to the Decedent's estate and not the heirs (theoretically coukd be other heirs, claimants or creditors) I would do the following: if the amount is less than $1,000 or so:1) Draft a very simple release of funds referencing "CA Probate Code Section 7001 whereby the property of the decedent passes to the legal heirs, subject to administration of the estate."2) Include a simple release clause that they agree to indemnify you in the event any later dispute3) Write the check payable to both heirs, jointly, so that they both must endorse it.4) Send them a holiday turkey or something.

@Michael Fischbach Flat roof, in Vermont with winter, I can't even imagine!!  

Going to sit tight and focus on fixing it up over the winter with the intent of being in a position to purchase again in the spring.

Trying to close something before the holidays.

The wife and I have been traveling down once a winter for a getaway as we have family in Citrus Springs, Cape Coral and Punta Gorda. 

She's a penny pincher,, and if it bothers you move.. otherwise realize things could be much worse. your both new to each other and she might have been stung by previous tenant.. and GOD knows.. everyone's late with rent in December.. and January before and after holiday months are the worst. 

Focus on the "reasonable" part during this holiday season.Gail

So whole process is like close to 30 days,, and WOW holidays in court so be prepared to have your court date not as quickly because of xmas.