The vegetarians were much happier with the gift certificates. :-)

Problem is, most like to run their mouth about what they're buying and the great deal they got, etc.

In this area of asset protection and estate planning this stuff I have just enough knowledge to start the conversation and point in a direction and the I stop before I put my foot in my mouth. 

You'll be so much happier!

Every state/county is going to be different, so might as well get it straight from the horse's mouth so to speak.

Aside from telling the seller to keep their mouth shut, and not tell the bank what you are up to, its really up to the lender to decide on whether or not to call in the loan once they've learned that the deed has exchanged hands while the loan is still in someone else's name.

Conversely, is now the time to discuss future plans for growth with this lender, or keep your mouth shut and be conservative?

With all due respect you do not my story or how i run my business so you don't have any right to run your mouth. 

I am a entrepreneur at heart and am happier making $10 myself than $100 given to me by a boss 

Seller is telling you to put your money where your mouth is, if you are not intending on closing the property I wouldn't do it.