I was able to waive my own commissions on the buy side, which helped, but honestly if the deal is so tight that the 3% buyer commission is going to make or break it, then it isn't a good deal.  

She told me they would send the file right after the September 15 filing deadline.

@Keelin Brown That seems pretty tight.

Although it's made our cash flow a little tight having this additional monthly mortgage on the land, we have not been in a huge rush to build.

Looks lovely ke CoC is pretty tight.

We have a possible distressed property so timing is tight. 

The county imposing a mandatory fee, deadline, and penalties, without even knowing what their own standards are, and with admittedly no intent to inspect and enforce, certainly smells disingenuous, to put it nicely.

As tax CPAs and EAs we're less than 3 weeks away from a major statutory deadline, so we're pretty busy to say the least.If the convo can wait until post 10/15 (i.e. you're looking for help for the 2018 tax year), I'm sure most on your list would be fine with a 15-30 minute phone chat in late October/early November to determine if there's a good fit.

You and a lot of other people that bought on tight margins with a low adjustable interest rate are in the same boat right now.

Do not allow deadlines to float... the minute someone is late, start with the legal requirements even if you like them and believe it's a temporary issue.