This way, Vegas doesn't lose, and in the case of the banks, if a source goes "south", they don't collapse.Long way of saying what you are looking for will come back...you just have to wait for it.

@Justin LeeSeller's assist or seller paid closing costs would be funds the seller "loses" to you to cover your closing costs.

Most private lenders will want returns way in excess of that (think double digit interest rates), unless it's family or something along those lines.In order to make the deal work for them, you will want to structure it with an exit strategy that allows some way to convert the loan into a regular mortgage, allowing you to pay off the high interest private loan.Basically, you'll want to put together a deal just like you are doing a flip.

Talking to the attorneys may be the best means as they don't have the emotion of losing a loved one.

We really don't want to lose this deal and feel this will be a strong foundation to our real estate goals for many years to come. 

Should I just offer to assume the mortgage and not give anything to the existing owner, or would it be better to offer them something so they are not losing all of their equity as well as ruining their credit?

To fully understand the problems of any excessive regulatory burden, it is necessary to consider just how small the majority of lenders are and how and why they currently exist.

My fiance's mother lives up there and last we spoke she was concerned about her home losing value.

That way if you lose a tenant, you will be able to cover your minimum payments. 

If the lien(s) amounts are too high, at that time if I back out, I assume I lose my earnest money and also $2500 deposit with Homesearch.com?