Subconsciously it's served them well in life.

Obviously, if you walk into a local bank they will tend to serve you "locally." 

@Robert WithersI think you would be better served speaking with an attorney than a CPA.

If you are prepared to get a new loan anyway, you'd be far better served purchasing subject-to provided you can live with these existing terms.If there is truly significant equity in the deal, a short-sale is likely a non-starter.

You'll likely have a 1% of purchase price EMD (Earnest money deposit) which serves as a good faith deposit.

Honestly, it sounds like self-serving BS.I think there may be one between abnormally high and low commissions and number of showings. 

They also were kind enough to leave their new lease behind so I knew where to have them served. 

The referee reviews the file and tells the court what is needed (e.g. serve the heirs, find the heirs, file an inventory etc etc etc).

@Sarraf NA I’m a Realtor in Toronto Canada I serve the GTA and have done deals in other parts of Ontario.

CT tenant laws apply to the entire state of course, so if you have any questions, or just want general advice, I'm happy to serve as a sounding board.