The initial closing was not established since a lien had been noted by the lawyer for seller  (unknown by anyone from 30 years ago).

@Rich Thomas, if you know the person well (i.e. family member) then typical rates are 8-10%If it is an acquaintance (friend, dentist, Dr, lawyer, etc) then 10-14% 

You can have direct incorp set it up for you or a lawyer I use them and it was a success, then you have to file a publication with a agency which you can find on line... any further details just ask hope that helps.

You seem to be doing the right thing and your relocation to southern Florida unless Trump "screws" the immigration from other nations that are looking to be in a country that offers so much.  

So before we draft the agreements and head down to a lawyer, I'd like to run it by experienced folks in this forum.My take is that partner provides the sweat equity, and I provide the real estate; ie, free use of the house as a facility, but ownership and major maintenance remains mine. 

I am not a lawyer but I think I remember my RE class instructor saying it was not okay to pay a fee to someone who does not have an active real estate license.

Before I run my final numbers I'd like to know how much I should be estimating for purchase and closing costs (lawyer fees, commissions fees, deed and title fees, etc).

"[ I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice; that is a laymen's interpretation of the paperwork you may have signed at the closing table, which I have not read, because I didn't do the mortgage and for all I know you got some wonky mortgage with settlement paperwork that didn't have the language in it that I am familiar with. ]

I took a lawyer to represent me but otherwise, what and where should I be looking at before signing the deal?

You would need a license.So I would buy it first on land contract in IL and sell it on a lease and rofr or lease w option.Here is an IL Lawyer's article re: ILCshttp://shearerandagrella.com/index.php/installment...