The lien or equity held or possessed by the vendor of any real estate for the sale of the real estate shall inure to the benefit of any assignee of the notes or obligations given for the purchase money of the real estate, and the lien or equity shall be assignable and payable by endorsement or otherwise, in the hands of the assignee, and any such assignee may maintain an action or suit to enforce the lien or equity if the lien or equity is expressed upon or appears from the face of the deed of conveyance.