Hey Sam, a fellow kiwi here who invests in both countries.

Offer brother Sam a thousand or so for a quit claim deed, that deeds over his interest in the property to you. 

Hey Sam, as far as your situation, I definitely like the idea of out of state.

Both the original mortgage and the private mortgage are paid by 1995The deed, issued in 1986, states it is a transfer from Joe (unmarried) to Bill and Sam (as joint tenants).2014  - Sam dies, without a will.

Hi, I am Sam a new investor of short sales and foreclosures.

Hey @Sam A. welcome to Bigger Pockets!

most people won't give uncle Sam as many dollars in their entire working career as he does in a single year between personal taxes paid and taxes from the jobs / property tax he surely generates.

Taking on 15 deals in 10 months is an enormous effort for a full-time investor much less one with Uncle Sam as an employer.

Sam,A bankruptcy does not stop a foreclosure it will only prolong it for a short time.

Most hard lenders I know won't look at this, however, one may because if you owe uncle Sam a lot of money on a return they want proof it was paid.