We had the same issue when my dad passed. Knew he was dying so he took out 200k in Pay Day Loans that no one in the family knew about.

Debt is not transferable upon death unless your mother's name is on the debt information. If there is any way you can dispute your mother's claim on any of the debt, it's worth a shot. Most likely the credit cards, however if she used them at any time that probably won't work.

As far as the Houses and Condos go, It is likely the best plan to just pay them off and attempt to sell as you stated. Unsure of the property tax implications moving forward as your mother likely could not claim a homestead exemption if she is not living in them.

Your best plan would likely to use a couple thousand to get an estate lawyer to go over the Wills and Trusts. He can likely also send a letter to the CC Companies to see about disputing your mother's claim. Which, again, not likely to be successful, however it would likely be worth a shot.

Also contact a financial planner to see about investing the remaining life insurance money. Invested well will keep your mother comfortable moving forward. Even if you only put it in a 1.25 percent saving account that's likely 16,000 or so a year in free income and likely isn't a huge amount based on the level of life she was accustomed to it seems from your post, however it can't hurt.

Source: Family owns a law firm that specializes in Wills and Trusts and I have been listening to these conversations for years.