I sense a bit of "purpose" that is driving you that you may not have thought of.

This is a first for me, so I'm not sure whether there's a protocol or this isn't my responsibility.

Have a strong partnership agreement that clearly defines roles and responsibilities, profit sharing, exist strategy, etc.

Send a document once and ensure it includes a deadline for their response and a consequence for failing to respond.

Some great responses here.

How was their responsiveness and flexibility?

What's the purpose of trying to get a loan when I have to pay that much out of pocket just to get it? 

Quote from @Jessie Dillon: one thing that you can do is have the seller transfer the deed to a living trust that they're the sole beneficiary of, and call the bank to give them a heads up that they're doing it for estate planning purposes. then, a month or more later, buy the property sub-to, and change the beneficiary of the trust. the bank can not see who owns a trust, and if they ever come back and question it, you can just swap the beneficiaries again, show the bank that the seller is still the owner, then swap it back again when they buzz off. this is one of many reasons it's so important to keep a good relationships with the seller if you're buying this way. you have to work together on some stuff.In summary: fraud. 

@Al JeciusAre you in City of Flagstaff or Coconino County for zoning purposes?

And yes, you are still responsible for wiring earnest money to the closing attorney/title company when you put the property under contract.