One of my biggest obstacles is that I am unsure how to properly estimate expenses such as insurance, maintenance, what to budget for vacancy etc.

If she has the mortgage in her name she can't give you a gift of equity at closing for a conventional mortgage.

I would be in for a meet-up any time and I know the Mpls/St Paul group in here is quite active.

(A mortgagee is inherently BOTH).

@Elliot SmithLikely scenario is that the Seller already knows that the forthcoming required capital expenditures will negate any reasons she might have for being tempted to hang onto it (and may also result in her not agreeing to keep the Note in her name)?

The home is not in her name, but rather in her mother's name.

You have to figure out regulations and agencies you're going to have to work with (often a big obstacle, my project has been tied up for years now working with cities and counties on roads, utilities, drainage and getting approvals from neighbors.)  

Here's HOW..My two biggest obstacles that I found where financing and find the right real estate agent to look for what I need.

Your car is an obstacle only if you believe it to be. 

I checked the public records and the house is still in her name.