We invest solely in solid B areas (if you have not yet researched the difference between A B C and D areas, here is a link to an older thread with some useful descriptions and photos, but note that the third photo looks more B, while second is C).

For instance, www.456rent.com lists all of their available properties with addresses and some photos so you can compare that to your rental.  

If you want to PM me the address, I'll run actual comps for you, or if you want to shoot me some photos and descriptions of what you think needs done, I'd be happy to give you a sanity check on your reno numbers.In our market, you can look forever and watch deals get snapped up all around you, sometimes at prices that just seem insane.

:/I'll put up some photos of our install here once i get them on my computer.

What we found was a company that's sole purpose is to solve this problem and fully cash out the owner immediately and become the lienholder but they typically require 1st position but their fees were nominal and it was not hard money type of lending and that made it attractive. 

Could I buy the title to the house for a nominal sum, pay the arrears, and take over paymentslooking for advice,

If you can take really great photos, perhaps you could be a listing assistant, doing everything you can to help the agent get the house on the market. 

Not sure how much but from the looks of the outside and a few inside photos it needs work.  

You photos are great, but the AirBnB verified listings that have been photographed (for free) by their photographers get a search bump.

There is something about going to a property vs. looking at "staged photos" of only the good aspects of the property.