I'm located in the Dallas area and have similar questions.

Seeing as the borrower is deceased, the heirs could negotiate this, but the sunk cost and time of locating them only to be in a position to negotiate doesn't seem worth it to me. 

I live about 6 hours away from where my rental property is located and plann to invest in that area due to the price of single family units.For the no money down option for home purchase I'd look at VA loans if you qualify. 

I am looking at a property located in busy street.  

Due to low inventory and trying to stir up more opportunities I recently put a few posts on Craigslist for my target market indicating I buy houses for cash.I have gotten several responses and asked them a few questions via email prior to a phone call.SO for those experienced in doing this, what is your approach to vetting people prior to making a trip to their property?

My family is in Vermont, so the goal is at least 45 minutes to 3 hours distance from their location.  

As far as renting location goes, I'm just looking for a good price somewhere in a safe part of town.

You can either locate at home or have an outside location.  

I would tend to look in states that are mid-western and southern in location.

When it came to customers, he had 6 floor plans, but he let the owners pick out pre-determined materials and add interior non-load bearing walls, except locations for major items.