In some Alabama Counties (they all have different procedures to enact Alabama law)  this word will allow the buyer to record the deed without paying recording tax on the assessed value of the property. 

There are some circumstances where you could Willingly assume some particular debt, above and beyond the purchase price, if you thought you could perhaps negotiate it lower, after closing......but you normally pay just the purchase price along with some closing costs.But to your original question, buying a preforeclosure is the same as buying as any other house, cost and procedure wise.

While @Marcia Maynard gives solid advice, WA has a reputation for being super tenant-friendly; whereas my experience in NH is that our courts are less inclined to tell landlords what they can and can't do with their own property, so long as the proper procedures are followed precisely and the landlord adheres fully to all applicable statutes.If the tenants are in a lease term, they can not be evicted for cause not stemming from violation of lease provisions, nor should they be; as they entered into that lease in good faith that they would have a place to live at least until the expiration of the term.

They have stronger leases, policies, and procedures.

You’ll have to learn the procedures, laws and risks for yourself. 

http://findhoalaw.com/code-of-civil-procedure-section-325-adverse-possession/Your mother is not required to do anything.  

I'm sure they probably have different presenters in different places, but the one I saw give the free workshop in Dallas area told flat out lies and was not familiar with our local procedures.   

Donald Cressey is The Fraud Triangle: 1- A perceived unshareable financial need. 2- Perceived opportunity. 3- Rationalization.Financial pressures change in life, medical care for aging parents, a family member becomes ill, college costs, mid-life crisis, substance addictions and gambling, jealousy/feeling "owed" or wronged, social pressures to "get ahead"...The biggest losses are always where there are no checks & balances, no separation of duties, no policies and procedures in place. 

There is no helping when a landlord does not follow legal procedure.

There exists a significant problem in district court procedures that we must all be concerned with.