I once joked to someone that the entire precious metals industry is a slightly more sophisticated form of rednecks investing in collectible plates.

But I suspect regular BP members are a bit too sophisticated for that.

As a seller, I would make sure there is a time limit on each and all contingencies and after that runs out, the EMD goes hard.Of course we investors know that not all sellers are as knowledgable or sophisticated as we are, but you must be prepared.

This results in wholesalers raving and ranting in on line forums about how real estate brokers and sophisticated sellers are stupid, dishonest, criminal, etc. for turning down their offers.There are wholesalers who do close a large percentage of their offers.

I guess that's because this bunch, as a whole, seem to be more sophisticated.

US Military has no parallel today with regard to size and sophistication (Mainly sophistication ...)

While I am still learning how to get the most out of the site and havent even herd of a pro account until now, I agree that it would be nice to have a way to only deal with people who are already in the know and can discuss topics on a higher level of sophistication... more importantly, discuss business opportunities with people who are actually capable of doing business.

Sophisticated sellers, such as banks, REITs, institutions, have developed methods of seperating "real" buyers from those that will only close if a laundry list of unlikely events occurs, i.e., 100% financing, sale to a third party, etc.

Look at a house or piece of machinery where the price is falling yet fill that market basket of goods and services and it will cost you more to get out the door, the net being flat.

This political risk (for your project) is hedged by the fact that NAR has huge clout and lobbying machinery so it wouldn't go down without a fight.