Hi @Erica JuhlSorry for the situation you're in right now, but as the guys have mentioned above, all is not lost, you do have option(s).I'd encourage you to contact an Attorney to handle this.I can  recommend you to one who has dealt with these kinds of situations before.

Is there some sort of "controlling interest" that is given to a next of kin when there is a death in this circumstance?

Takes a lot of courage to post that you lost. 

I think it's one thing to spend that kind of money on a house that we could buy and over which we'd have control, but another to go into somebody else's deal. 

@Thomas Hart Getting a real estate website is an powerful tool that allow you to have full control over your brand.

It would suck if you got stuck with it, couldn't rent it or flip it, and lost your tail because your exit strategies fell through.  

Not living in the unit is Mortgage fraud and can carry some hefty fines I lost my entire response post.  

Now is the time to establish a relationship with a title company. 3) How long has he had control over it and why hasn't it sold yet?

Lease to own is an excellent way to get control of the property.

I lost a deal to this.