FMV of estate (comprised of house) is 62000 (initial basis), share of each sibling (including TP) is 12400.

Option 1: TP paid 20000 (5000 each to other siblings to buy the house outright?). Therefore, total basis is 12400 + 20000 = 32400 (plus corrections). TP's gain is 79900 - 32400 (or corrected basis) = 47500.

Option 2: TP invests 20000 into the estate, increasing his share to 39.51% (other siblings now have 15.12% share each), and TP's basis is still 32400. TP share of sale is 31570, so TP's loss is ($830) = 31570-32400 (or corrected basis). Siblings each have loss of ($318) = 12082 - 12400 (or corrected basis).

Of course, I could be completely wrong. LOL Hope this helps - somebody let me know if you see it differently. Thanks.