Bringing a partner may also help dissuade an escalation.I always have the "tough conversations" in writing, sent Certified/First Class. 

Agree with @Michael Plaks1245 property associated with a residential rental trade or business can be S179ed unless otherwise excluded by the provisions of Sec 179.It should be noted that the only 1250 property allowed under Sec 179 is nonresidential in nature.

They cannot decide what to put as the cause of death, and he was buried 3 weeks ago without an autopsy (the cause of death was 100% natural, although he was not in the best of health).

There is no shortage of people who will help you, but they aren't looking for you, you need to look for them. networking is NOT a natural talent, it's a skill like any other that you get better at with practice. 

Right now I'm in Eureka , CA though with spectacular weather so I'll plant something a bit more exotic in my current job :D Rhododendrons grow naturally here with no watering! 

One of my biggest challenges is overcoming my naturally pessimistic nature. 

Bathroom lacks any storage)- Open up kitchen to living room via wall removal, creating breakfast island w/ more storage (unit is approx 650sq.ft. and kitchen has very little natural light)

Granted, it is above the fence and not in the middle of the yard, but my biggest concern is downed power lines after a storm or something of that nature. 

However if he is mismanaging his properties to where they are unsecured and/or nuisance properties, he may be what some call a slumlord, which is the natural enemy of code enforcement (and the neighbors) 

In which case you need a Certified General appraiser and much higher fee, but I digress.Anyway, If the lender is using an AMC (Appraisal Mgmt Co) they are probably trying to make as much as they can for themselves, hence the $1200.