As far as courts holding county personnel accountable, I don't think there are so many mistakes at the county level, I think people just don't understand the procedures and the county people are not good about communications.

@Amanda Kwong, how long it takes depend on your default procedures and your attorney and the backlog in Jefferson County.1. 

I hear several time that I do not need to be an expert of the transaction and paperwork procedures, but I do need to understand what is happening and when it is happening ( we never go blindfolded for battle, right?!).

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.  

Avoid operation of a private or commercial golf course, country club, massage parlor, hot tub facility, suntan facility, racetrack, gambling establishment, or a store whose principal business is the sale of alcohol for consumption off premises.The 4th requirement is of particular importance with regard to the real estate company in your hypothetical.