How to purchase a property when the owner has a reverse mortgage on it?

[Alonzo Moreland]

Hello. Can you please advise me on how to purchase an out of state home where the owner has a reverse mortgage on it?  I live in Maryland and the elderly owner, and the property are in California. The owner owns the home free and clear, and then took out a reverse loan-HECM line of credit about two years ago. The owner just showed me a loan statement that is 5 months old and doesn't know what they currently owe and doesn't know the payoff amount. My desire would be to tender a contract to purchase the property, pay off their loan while ensuring the owner receives fair compensation and I receive the house. The owner is okay with me contacting the mortgage company and getting authorized to get their loan information so that I can make the purchase happen. Any advice on how I start the process?