For Maryland and maybe more specifically Baltimore, search @Ned Carey posts. 

An agent who suggest 5-10k in due diligence in Raleigh is only foolish if they are suggesting that without any basis or suggesting that when there were other alternatives to strengthening the offer. 

Alternatively, with a full documentation program, assuming you are in a market that cash flows well, you can get better rates but the requirements are higher.

@Lindsey JohnsonLove to pick your brain on what worked and did not as I want to try this in a specific market.

I just can't figure out what is best for my specific situation.

Perhaps more than one to accomplish specific goals. 

Can you be more specific with its location in Florida?

And as always, don't make any major decisions based on advice from this site (or anywhere else online), at face value, without consulting specific professionals regarding your specific situation, etc.

With this being said, unless there's a specific reason for mom needing to be removed from title (i.e. social security benefits) it may be more prudent to pursue placing the home within a trust with your husband named as a primary beneficiary.

The more specific the better.I hope this helps.I wish you all the best.