As a newbie, I’m both excited to be part of this community but also fairly lost.

After trying to resolve matters one-to-one or even via small claims court, it may be necessary to employ a collection agency to recover lost rent or costs of repairs.

Been there and almost lost my shirt.

However it could be worth 170k-180 if everything was fixed and I think I could get it going as a functional rental property for the purchase price plus another 20k and some blood sweat and tears and maybe could get it reappraised in a year and do a heloc, but I could end up being 160k in when you factor in lost rent and is 10-20k inequity worth the gamble? 

I don't know where you live, but, this sounds like something you would have to consider in California or New York where they have Rent Control, not in Florida.

Our unit rented well but looking at other listing due to price not increasing we lost out 5-10% out on peak season time.Teaont issue was when we had a water damage and needed Evolve help to cancle up coming bookings and asked then to help with guest communications for the refund options.

Use their crew with total control of the work flow and the speed at which it gets done.   

You should never, EVER, utter those fateful last words of the lost REI, "I just bought (fill in the blank here),...now what do I do?". 

I am so lost on what to do. current rent is way below market value for a whole home as well. 

If it was in the deceased name only, then the will controls.