My parents deeded property to me with a life estate. My father died owing a mortgage. Does the remaining debt have to be paid if he owned no real estate at the time of death?

If he deeded the property to you, how did he get a mortgage on the property ? TO transfer the dedd to someone else, the liens on property have to be cleared at the time of sale ( transfer) if not, most mortages have a due and payable clause that makes the entire note due at that time.

But your choices are of course not to pay the mortgage and let them foreclose on the home. Or pay the mortgage and keep the home.