Welcome to BP Nichole! 

Shalom Welcome to Bigger Pockets and I wish you all the best in your investing journey!!

Buyers may be backing out for failure to obtain financing for the deal.

This would include architectural fees, new equipment, cost of protecting or defending your title to the property, or building improvements.

From what I read on the forums, section 8 works well in certain markets and not in others. 

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

Never seen that question and never seen any way to find that out. 

Happy to help.

I'm not sure the steps to take to purchase the property from the executor who does want to sell the property. 

I'm in the process of working with an Oxford House group to find a property to rent to them.