OK, that just meant an extra step dusting everything back down and saving some paint for touch-up that's inevitable with workers still coming and going. 

Network at every REI event and actually put them in your contact list and stay in touch with them.  

Other than ripping out carpeting, putting in some floors, touching up the kitchen, fixing up the blinds and some other smaller touch ups, the rehab is not that grand in scale.

Since then I have done tons of research and I'm always trying to get in touch with investors around me.

Attempt to gain control of the unit - - contact the coroner and/or police dept and get it released to you - - touch NOTHING until then.Contact roommate if she was not present & find nearest relative.You will have to handle all property as Abandoned Property per your State regs.In Calif, we have to notify the next tenant that there was a death in the unit. but do not have to state the reason - - verify your State requirements.

Would anyone touch this deal with a ten foot pole?

After meeting them, evaluate what you can offer them, and don't forget the most important part that most forget....get back in touch and do what you said you would do!!

J-Scotts rehab book is great and lists order of items.Here is a rough list:1) Gut2) Framing - Roof, Siding, Windows3) Plumbing rough in4) Electrical rough in(You can run electric and plumbing at the same time, but I found it is easier to move electrical than it is a vent stack for plumbing)5)HVAC6) Drywall7) Trim8) Paint/Spraying9) Finishes & Flooring, Electrical/Plumbing Final, landscaping10) Clean, paint touch ups & Appliances

I bought 14 new builds in MS back in the day and the first 5 years I never touched them . 

Watch a few YouTube videos, buy a non-contact voltage tester, wire strippers, and learn the basics of safety before touching anything.