I suppose the easiest and smartest thing to do would be simply asking her if she's interested in selling, and then asking her how much she'd like. A straight u

I suppose the easiest and smartest thing to do would be simply asking her if she's interested in selling, and then asking her how much she'd like. A straight up buyout offer is pretty hostile. You need to tell her about your desires to continue this project on your own. Your negotiations will be far easier if she understands and sympathizes with your motivations. So really, this isn't a business negotiation but a human relationship and communication deal.