[quote=no_such_reality]Is the landlord of sound mind? Does she like you? Can the sentimental reasons for her holding it be converted into a sentimental helping a nice family live new memories or the memories she’s holding on to via a rent to own or a rent to own, purchase and landlord carry a private note back?[/quote]All good suggestions. And if she has already put her kids on title, then a nice 5-yr rent-to-own deal might be able to be worked out … or owner carryback. The OP’s situation is a classic example of a good safe reason why the owner and her heirs would want to accept from them a 1st trust deed on the property.