I have a template response that I send them that always ends with question that prompts them to respond.

I have been interested in doing something in real estate investing for some time and talking with them prompted me to quit putting it off and begin to take steps to actually take some action.  

Jack Bobeck, thanks for the prompt reply and appreciate it.

I'd advise finding an agent and closing attorney that have experience with seller financing to get their insights and assistance.Being new, I assume you heard seller financing can allow you to get better deals which prompted your question.

My initial thought was that there is a reserve in the deceased's will that might prompt a sale at a certain price and she doesn't want to present my offer because she thinks she can get more, especially since she most likely is entitled to either a percentage or the entirety of the sale since it was her mother's house.  

Reduce your rent a little, offer an incentive, offer your other tenants a "referral" incentive to bring their friends, post flyers in the supermarkets, introduce yourself to your local Housing Authorities, contact homelessness prevention,make repairs promptly and treat your tenants with respect and courtesy.

Thank you George, Jon, James and Kyle for the prompt response.

I found a lease off of the internet (don’t do this), which was promptly signed by one tenant; the other tenant didn’t seem to exist.

Or has the threat of higher rates prompted some listings?

The buyer promptly disappeared, leaving us with a 13K code enforcement lien, as well as a house full of junk.