Basically, stop wasting your time pining over a house that you sold and got money for and take your money and buy something else and make it better.Emotional attachment to real estate is a money pit every time.

Originally I had planned to get the required permits from the city, but I had a contractor that I work with recommend to not go through the time, money, and headache of the permitting process since it's my primary residence and I can most likely "get away" with it.

One thing is certain as an investor you don't want you money held up in the court confirmation process for a few months.Your interest is in purchasing the probate property from the Executor/Administrator as long as they claim IAEA powers and filing Notice of Proposed Action.

I'd say the Bigger Pockets forums are one of the best places to explore how to put your money to work in RE. 

Can refi an existing mortgage to a shorter term “Mini Mortgage.”Navy Federal 80% LTV Norway Savings Bank, MaineOmaha MortgageOregonians CU - ORPenFed - max 3 other properties, including primary. 80% LTV, prime + 1%, <4 propertiesPeoples Bank of NCPSECU up to 80% Quorum Federal Credit Union 80% LTV, owned by LLC is OK.

If I complete the buyout as current I will wipe out the majority of my savings. 

Use house hacking to save on rent and grow your wealth.

Best course of action - save a bunch of dough.

This brings flow back down to 2700/mth with zero money in and 13 mths time. 

Secondly, why would anyone PAY them to sell their money?