Identify alternative strategies of finding properties but stick to your goals. 

I have been using schooldigger.com to identify multifamily properties near better school districts.Also, as I wrote that last question, wouldn't you want a certain level of turnover to facilitate renovations and increase in rents?

Identify your markets and submarkets, just saying anywhere as long as it's a good deal is risky. 

If the family hasn’t opened the estate, search for the obituary, which will identify next of kin. 

Until I get down there to explore the area I'm having trouble identifying exactly which areas to focus on.

Seller financing just spreads the pain across the years while the note is being paid off. 1031 would avoid all of that, but he would need to identify a new property within 45 days and close the transaction within 180.

Take some time to figure out what class of neighborhood you are are comfortable with and then identify the neighborhoods that fit that criteria.

@Caleb Carlson- Every business has that it factor, if you want to get into this I would make sure you identify your benefit over other property management companies.

Identify your price point, obtain a pre approval from a lender, then connect with an agent who understands your an investor and NOT looking for a house to into to, but instead turn into an asset.

I would leave them gutted, clean and well lit until you have a tenant identified.