Also set up keyword alerts for you geographical area.

@Amit May ,I like your frank and simple explanation!

In his defense, he has taken a lot of his time to show me other places over the past couple of months, even on weekends and properties that are geographically far apart (45 mins+), but lately I just feel like he doesn't even want to deal with me. 

Thanks for the explanation @Christina R. .  

Ryan, there is no statutory form requirement for sale of real property in CA.The rather lengthy explanation from the young man taking law classes fails to correctly answer your question.

Dion, I really appreciate the detailed explanations - this has helped me understand a lot, and cleared up the main questions I had.

As mentioned, it can be a discrepancy at the county office.One possible explanation is if an addition was made to the house.

Exactly the same building right next to mine closed a day later and sold for $250k ....Anyway; look at my numbers below and read explanation ...PGI = 2470vacancy loss = 4% 100EGI = 2370property tax = 309.4homeowners ins = 156.6utilities(common/water)= 165repairs and maint = 10% 250NOI = 1489debt service: PI = 1101.6monthly PMI 253positive cashflow 134After 6 months of research and looking at properties in the Chicago area, it was the best I could get.

The current demographics show a predominately black neighborhood with most inhabitants living well below the poverty line.Please see this very interesting website on overtown-http://overtowner.comRegarding the difference between Overtown and Little Haiti, if you view it from a sheer geographical standpoint you can see the distinct difference.Little Haiti is a fairly large area with 2 borders that are very haute couture and 2 borders that are like a faux pas.Overtown is a smaller precinct with hot real estate in every direction.

But remember I'm in a totally different geographic area than you so material and labor can vary.