The only downside I see is extra paperwork the IRS will require due to the foreign seller, and a portion of the seller's proceeds will have to be temporarily held in a special escrow. 

He is a lender that specializes in rental properties.

If it was just more income, that's not bad, but if it was for special cleaning and maintenance because of the pet, perhaps with no further pets living there, you could inspect for and mitigate any potential pet concerns.Thinking about carpet and paint repairs in some areas and such.After my last dog died, it took a while before I saw where he rubbed up on certain walls and doors.

I specialize in doing windows and doors for other clients so if you ever need new windows or doors let me know. 

Anything special that I would need to do in order to get a loan?

Maybe I should just find a good RE friendly agent, maybe there are people on UpWork who specialize in helping acquire/underwrite properties, I just am putting this out to the BP ecosphere to see what I don't know. 

If the sign is owned by the property owner and rented direct to a company, I believe you would own the billboard upon taking possession of the property, just as any other property you acquire in a tax sale. 

We still wait for the judgement next week to get possession?

I've been specializing in short sales/foreclosure avoidance for 14 years.

I spent a handful of years teaching Special Education in Portland Oregon, so I have a deep respect for your service.