Did they set a closing date that was unusual fast and did they stick to it?

It also might be that rising interest rates are slowing down the market as it seems to be here.That said, 50+ days on market might not be unusual in a market where similar homes sell after 75 days.Find yourself a good buyer's agent and they can help you to figure it out.PS - the home sold in March, 2016. 

I think my situation is rather unusual and my guy is very good, but still, it really was six times over and I got a lot of excellent advice on what to do the next year.Just to be clear: I am not a CPA, I have no relatives who are CPAs, I have no ax to grind or butt to kiss.

@Patrick M. although it is unusual, one of my problematic renters was ok for two years before turning into a real PIA, at that point I would not have wanted him stopping by.

@Joe San it's not unusual to pay a higher price for a multi-family.

I don't know what market you are in, but that would be very unusual in my area.

However, I noticed that their pricing was unusual (I think).

Customizing for a buyer (especially if they are eclectic or have unusual taste) and then having them back out.

I find this unusual, I have spoke with many licensed investors and they state that they do not pay any brokerage fee if they are purchasing a property themselves. 

So all this to say, your friend was most unusual as far as entrepreneurs go!