The part is not on the truck, so he has to visit the hardware store (and stand in a socially distanced line for 30 minutes while waiting to get in), then drive back to the property to install it. 

It seems to me that the ability to discus the price of offers would be beneficial to all parties but I’m also curious if this issue is a state by state thing as well?

And if there are some red flags, I'll dive into social media to see if he's constantly waving the 5-leaf flag or partying heavy or whatever.I won't tell him he's declined because of what I found on facebook, but it may sway my decision to reject based on something else.

He said we can use a 3rd party send them the monthly checks and they will pay off the loan which is 20-30 a month.

The sad part is we probably agree on a heck of a lot more then you might think.  

They can only do what ALL parties agree to when it comes to funding or transfer of money.

There will always be motivated sellers, the hard part is contacting them and convincing them that you are the person they need to help them.

Sometimes that will flush out something that a seller just isn't quite ready to sell for a few years and it can be a good win/win for both parties. 

All parties have joint liability, giving responsibility for the full amount of the obligation to each party.

Order an appraisal through a third party.