What would you recommend when shopping with lenders what questions to ask, and just how to be efficient as possible. 3) Lastly, when I spoke to the lender he mentioned a 203k loan to me I’ve been watching YouTube videos and just googling as much info as possible.

Simply schedule time for an inspection during your option period (due diligence window in Texas) and you'll have the information you need.

When tracing back the steps that it took for me to purchase my first rental property, I realized that those dots were connected over a period of seven years.

Once you become the owner, contact them, express your condolences, and get an update on the plan.I had six tenants die in a five-month period (Nov 2020 - Mar 2021). 

Otherwise, UC payments are around 25% of one's wages / salary during their eligibility period, depending on the state.

That includes items such as a bigger water meter, work in public space, updating the energy efficiency, fire sprinklers, and so on.

So yes, you can ask.Your PA will determine the next steps though...are you in the inspection period, did you sign off on inspection etc....but I wouldn't back down w/o some solid answers. 

Over a 7 year period I think it will be an attractive investment.  

At the end of the 3 year period is it necessary to request a tax deed or can you go straight to foreclosure and quiet title?  

What you are referring to here is called the seasoning period.