There are many privacy laws coming into effect due to the large number of identity thefts. 

Hi Eric Dubrule The property has 3 units, roughly identical, with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1100 sqft each.

Better come up w a scenario that is nearly identical to yours.

Both side want to sell, but I don't want to own two entities I want to own one property with one mortgage and one tax identity!  

Sorry to hear about your mother in law.My goals are nearly 100% identical to yours.

I would include the SS# on the application to verify identity and if you need it down the road.

The buyer and seller could have terminated that purchase agreement by mutual consent, then simply executed another contract with the identical/similar terms.

It's amazing how useful a house can be when you think outside the box and give the rooms different identities.  

Maybe it's a generational thing, or the age of digital relationships and perceived anonymous identities, but I would not expect anyone to accept my colleague request without my giving the same consideration as meeting in person.

I compared identical built by the same builder in two developments, one restrictive to renters and one not.