Buying a property from a friend

[Ashton McCants]

Can you take over someone's mortgage payments without having to qualify yourself with their lender? A friend of mine is moving to another state and has no interest in being a landlord or dealing with the property long distance. I wanted to take over the mortgage payment (pay to her) and buy the place cash in a year or two. What is the process? Has anyone done this before? What are some things to be mindful of? I'm trying to avoid a potential due on sale clause by being on the deed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.