The seller CAN still offer to pay some or all of the buyer's commission fees or other closing costs, but it is not mandatory... that is the seller's choice.

Take a closer look at Cleveland and Columbus for excellent investment opportunities.

If you can make a deal in an A area break even, it's an excellent purchase. 

Excellent advice!

I saw there was a new House Bill that came through last year (2023), and added a new subsection to RCW 59.18.280 which does mention RCW 59.18.260 about the checklist requirement for the security deposit:(4) The requirements with respect to checklists and documentation that are set forth in RCW59.18.260 and this section do not apply to situations in which part or all of a security deposit is withheld by the landlord for reasons unrelated to damages to the premises, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and furnishings, such as for rent or other charges owing.This is the new "exception" (per the title of the RCW59.18.280).

Now, they owe me a lot more than the security deposit (rent, bills, damages...)I saw there was a new House BIll that came through last year (2023), and added a new subsection to RCW 59.18.280 which does mention RCW 59.18.260 about the checklist requirement for the security deposit:(4) The requirements with respect to checklists and documentation that are set forth in RCW59.18.260 and this section do not apply to situations in which part or all of a security deposit is withheld by the landlord for reasons unrelated to damages to the premises, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and furnishings, such as for rent or other charges owing.This is the new "exception" (per the title of the RCW59.18.280).

It’s an excellent low-cost method to secure deals.

Excellent question.

We use microsoft copilot as it works with most microsoft tools (outlook, excel etc) so it can integrate those as well as work with their other platforms.

Document trying to work with them, and all conversation oral and written.