If you can't tell it's a royal pain!

Quote from @Lolo Druff: Just like turn signals, you should always trust, but verify that the seller is telling the truth.Your offer to purchase should include a requirement that the Seller provide all documentation and agree to sign an estoppel certificate (also called an estoppel form or agreement).

Then you need to add in pain in the *** factor, which for an older expensive property while you live abroad is quite high.

I did have one near downtown that I sold as that crowd was a pain, lots of parties and difficult guests.

This in itself is an understated benefit because its a real pain having to explain to a lender, prospective employer etc. why your name is in the docket. 

@Jonathan Greene @Jay Hinrichs @Nicholas L. short sales are almost always done through RE agents and are a major pain the butt if the lender servicer wont respond in a timely fashion.Pre foreclosure you dont use and agent but if your talking NY I think and not totally sure but I think only an attorney can draft the Deed transfering title .

Which is to say any attempts beyond the method of communication in the profile are likely to end up convincing the landlord you and your friend would be a pain in the butt as tenants. 

I see many warning signals that if CA doesn't get it's act together, act as if it has to compete, very strong chances it will suffer the historical consequences of that and CA the titan will become history not current state of things. 

What are your biggest pain points?

We use carbon copy in letter size (legal size is just a pain).