In my husband's case, the "simple probate" ended up taking 11 months, because FIL had pre-nup with his fifth wife and his will required everything to go into a trust before anything further was done - and that took lots of time and the lawyers ended up with a good chunk of the estate when all was said and done.
But by all means, start looking for work; just make sure you tell the prospective employers that while you don't live there now, you plan to be moving in the area soon and will be ready and willing to start work as soon as they need you there. Most of the "good" jobs I've gotten over the years usually took three or four months from application to hiring, so you might be able to set it up that you're walking into a job two or three weeks after you move into the area.
And no, it's not disrespectful to be thinking about what you're going to be doing with the money left to you. Your grandmother wanted that money to improve the life of her heirs, especially since she couldn't take with her.
As for the property, you need to think about what you can do yourself, and what you need to pay someone to do, and look at any place you "fall in love with" with that in mind. You need to make a checklist of what you're both willing to do to save money (paint, vent cleaning, basic carpentry, demolition), and how much electrical, foundation, and structural issues you're willing and able to deal with.
Get an inspector who will provide you with pictures and a "running narrative" of what s/he checked before you buy. Make sure you ask for a list of code and safety issues that are found. After you buy and before you start work, get a different inspector who will also give you pictures and a running narrative and ask that one to check for code and safety violations.
Those get fixed first. And usually while you're in the process of doing your demolition is the best time for the plumber, HVAC, and electrician.
Make a list of what needs to be done before you move in. Wallpaper and paint, or a remodel because "you don't like that style" can usually be done afterwards, and in a pinch, you can put off that hardwood floor if it looks like you're aiming for too much with too little; what you need to be concerned about are plumbing and structural leaks, wiring dangers, foundation and roofing issues, mold, pests, and health dangers, security, energy savings (windows, thresholds, doors), accessibility...
Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and subway tiles are nice to have, but you can often find deals looking at dent and dink places, salvage yards, or find out where the property management companies get their appliances.
Good luck.
Haele
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