Also those of you in the NE area if you know good, knowledgeable, reliable contractor that installs metal roofing please pass along their info.Any input, experience would be great!

Top loading washers are more reliable and they clean better, but use more water.

Don’t forget property and deed transfer taxes...  

Here's the verbiage from FHA underwriting guidelines:"In cases where a Borrower has switched Mortgagees, the first Mortgagee must, at the Borrower’s request, transfer the appraisal to the second Mortgagee within five business days.” 

What steps does my mother need to take in order to transfer the money to us?

You'll need to work with a lender who is a servicer, not just an originator because once the purchase transaction closes, the reno budget gets transferred into an escrow account and you need your lender to be able to access it so you can quickly begin working on the reno or you will have problems with your contractor out the gate. 

You can offer to have it transferred to you completely so he's out of the picture.

I have a reliable mode of transportation.

On your end just lawyer and title company.If your state has a transfer tax, you'll get hit with that when you sell to your daughter.My other idea is that you could buy with cash and put both your names on title.

RISK OF LOSS:If subject property is damaged prior to transfer of title (any, Buyer has the option of accepting any insurance proceeds with title to the property in “as is” condition, or of canceling this contract and accepting the return of the deposit.