And what are the laws on fha and va loans

Concerning short sales and refinancing on theses loans

Yes, there are a variety of assumable loans still out there. As anything else it will still depend on other circumstances, as to where you will find them and what your ultimate goal is.

Assumable mortgage has no bearing on a short sale. In a short sale the lender has to agree to accept less money than is owed them. So a short sale application to the lender has to be made, and the sales offer has to be sent to the lender to approve. If a person is going to assume the loan, then they assume the entire loan, not just part of it.

A few loans are assumable but most are not because lenders make money doing a refi. You will have to check the terms of the loan you are looking at.