Question for the pros

[Jason Chofooklun]

Hi all, I have been listening and gaining much from the forums and podcast. Now i hope to give back to new investors like myself via this question. Oh by the way I finally have my first property under rehab, which was a personal goal for me before 2017. Now I have a motivated seller in a situation I would like some advise on. The motivated seller, who is still listed on property appraiser as the owner, but has vacated the property several years ago and has not paid the mortgage since 2008. The owner tried to sell the house via short sale twice and the deal fell through both times. The grass and bushes are being maintained but the owner could not tell me by who. Additionally, there are HOA liens on the property. Finally, the owner was telling me that she believes the statue of limitations has expired on the bank going after her and making her repay the loan. The house is currently unlivable due to mold. After saying all of that, the owner is very willing to sell me the house but who should I talk to first? Attorney, Title, Bank??? How do I find out who currently holds the mortgage? Should I get it under contract before determining what the bank wants for it? HELP....thanks in advance.