Sounds like determining if there if the estate is in probate is key here. 

The best I could Do was hide the last name and show the last initial. ...but good to know that you guys already have me all figured out and are so insightful you have already determined that a) I have a drinking problem and b) was so eager to go off record. 

If you use the 70% rule (not the only method for determining purchase price), based on your estimated ARV, a purchase price in the $60k range would be a decent target.Another thing to think about is typically at courthouse step auctions, I believe you have to have all cash to make the purchase.Whatever you decide to do, best of luck to you!

If you're both in for the same $$$, then you just need to determine how much a fair price to do the work is and that amount would go to you.

@James Camp oh interesting, how did you determine this was several properties?

That will determine the next step.

This will then assist you in determining whether or not the property is a good deal.

I believe that they are responsible because it is their leak, but they say they cannot determine when the mold started despite their leak, so it's my insurance on the hook.

Make sure you determine if there is equity first. 

To zoom out and make it really simple, investors use the cap rate as a divider of the net operating income (NOI) a property produces, in order to determine value.