It's not unusual, in my area at least & this may be a "hot market" thing, for the listing agent to pick the title/escrow company (the generic catch-all term that covers all states/regions is "settlement service providers"). 

Big limestone 40' tall building for a grand.

If there's no rental income, there's no income for us either.Thirty days on the market isn't very unusual this time of year, but things are picking up and most of our homes are off the market within 2-4 weeks.

Easy to remember, it doesn't spell anything unusual, and when I hand it down to my kids, it'll mean something to them

You are right to be skeptical of their comment regarding it being unusual.

Lending standards are significantly tighter and there are many fewer marginal homeowners in possession of homes now.The Great Recession was more likely an unusual confluence of events that worked to the benefit of rental properties.  

Wise: probably not, unless you are really good or come across an unusual situationfor more discussion see also: http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/93/topics/1439...and several other recent threads

We are in an extremely competitive market, and it's not unusual to see a lot of offers on distressed properties.  

There were also some unusual weather issues in other parts of the country.

I find their technology platform excellent, unusual and cost effective pricing, and great responsiveness.