@Jeremy Smith I am sure of your local laws, but here in Maryland a loved one can transfer a property for the consideration of love and affection.

Since contract for deed (when done properly) does not get recorded, nor does a deed get transferred to the purchaser until the contract is fulfilled, you will not have to "foreclose".You will, however probably have to do an 'ejectment' (in simple terms a more complicated eviction) if the purchaser will not voluntarily move out.  

I really just want to lend a hand in anyway I can and pick their brain, hear their past experiences and advice.

So i need to go and see what the banks say before hand.

Actually you will go to them , they will call you about selling a house , you will show up and they will hand you the fines 

bird in hand is always best unless they doo doo in your hand :)  IE the lender is fibbing about the retirement check thingee...

Public records will show a deed where it was transferred as a result the foreclosure auction. 

I just posted my rental on Zillow (Cheyenne, Wyoming) and got a call from someone in Denver whose husband is being transferred here from Denver.

I'm hoping to bridge my theoretical and macro-level knowledge with the real colour and nuance that comes from being a hand's on and active investor and owner. 

I've bought a hand full of properties outright and owned them for a few years.