Purchase of real estate; evidence of value and title

The court may authorize the purchase of the entire fee-simple title to real estate in this state in which the curator has no interest, but only as a home for the pensioner, or to protect his interests or (if he is not a minor) as a home for his dependent family. Such purchase of real estate shall not be made except upon the entry of an order of the court after hearing upon verified petition. Notice of such hearing shall be given the veterans' administration in the manner and within the time provided by K.S.A. 73-523. Before authorizing such investment the court shall require evidence of value and title as is hereinabove provided, and of the advisability of acquiring such real estate. Title shall be taken in the pensioner's name. This paragraph shall not be construed to limit the right of the curator, on behalf of his pensioner, to bid and to become the purchaser of real estate at a sale thereof pursuant to decree of foreclosure of a lien held by or for the pensioner, or at a trustee's sale, to protect the pensioner's right in the property so foreclosed or sold, or at a sale under partition decree, if necessary to protect the pensioner's interest in such property.