I would appreciate feedback regarding investing (either flipping or buying to occupy) homes in probate. Has anyone here actually done this? I know there are many experts that provide seminars, books, etc., and I'm looking into that, but would also like advice from people here that have experience with this. I am in CA. Thanks in advance.

We have completed several real estate sales working through Probate. It can exasperating at times when a lot of relatives are fighting over shares but when you have a forceful executer or a Judge that provides strong guidance it makes things easier.

The major problem with Probate in general is you often asked to make an overall price proposal... for everything... real and personal property, including automobiles, furniture, even clothing and dishes and to have all of it removed from the real property. Unless your set up to do that... you will loose out on much of the Probate work because those that are set up to do so will get it.

If the estate is short of funds and the real estate has a mortgage on it... and if it isn't being paid... the simplest thing to do is approach the executor / and or judge and offer a plan to preclude total loss of any equity from a foreclosure action. I have received appointments from judges to do exactly that and that made life easier.

Another alternative is to approach the lender, even if it is in pre-foreclosure... they can assist you in making contact with the family members and as a "friend of the court".

It is not as simple as the Probate Machine indicates.... if you can get through the authors horrible english and total lack of punctuation.

Simplest thing is to become "THE" go to man for attorneys that deal with Probate.. they generally handle the heirs and you just do real estate. the down side is... you have to work with an attorney.

Thanks Realty Check. Glad you knew first hand.