The prior action might even have made things more difficult if a large amount of back payments were in a repayment plan that would likely require payment now.As for gaining control of his estate, you need to decide if it makes sense (if there is lots of equity remaining after payment of debts) and if you are the best choice for resolving this, especially if you have the financial resources and understanding to resolve.If you don't think you are up to these challenges, you won't have to be concerned with either repairing the house or the debt.

Im yet to find a bank that will do less than $50k, even using one of the more resourceful brokers in the area.Anyway, what was the extent of your rehab?

@Jacob K.BP is full of useful resources such as forums and blogs.

@Kiel J.BP is full of useful resources such as forums and blogs.

BP is a treasure chest full of resources.

BP is a treasure chest full of resources.

BP is a treasure chest full of resources.

I think it is because they are stacked one on top of the other and each residence is a whole level of the building, whereas a duplex is usually side by side.

Does anyone have any experience and/or some resources that pertain to converting an old school into livable space?  

BP is a treasure chest full of resources.