They shouldn't have to push the price up to make their cut.

We're looking to push it back to at least the next day, that should give us enough time to inspect the property prior to closing. 

Let's pretend it's a generous 1 yr CD with no early withdrawal penalty.7 year CD: 2% and penalized six months of interest if you pull funds out early.If you pull funds out after exactly 12 months, it's a wash:1 yr CD @ 1 yr: $10k * 1% = $100.7 yr CD @ 1 yr with penalty: $10k * 2% - [$10k * 2% / 2] = $100.After 18 months...1 yr CD @ 1.5 years: $10k * 1% * 1.5 years = $150.7 yr CD @ 1.5 years and penalized six months of interest: $10k * 2% * 1.5 years - [$10k * 2% * 0.5 years] = $200.So there's your low risk / low reward "CD hacking" tip of the day to get rich by earning an extra $50 on $10k after a year and a half.

That said, we still have to push back against dishonesty and hope for the best.

Thanks for the push & confidence.

Clean with zinsser perma wash or jomax, then paint with a moldicide type paint (if you think it will be a future problem) or normal paint is fine.

If every factor has been pushed to the limit, I will not do the deal, or invest in it if its someone elses.  

They might just find it easier to wash their hands of deals and want to focus on rebuilding their primary residence, etc.

I'm wondering if that rent could be pushed up a little closer to what a similar duplex would rent for, which would be more like 1100ish (I believe). 

In my experience, you are more often then not, better off to wait until tenant turnover (either they leave,  or you push them).