The MLS deals, if one does come up, are snapped up so fast or become multiple offer situations in which a great deal (or even any kind of deal) disappears.    

I'd minimize any deposits since if this goes belly up he'll likely disappear.

Have all the sweet heart deals disappeared or am I too late?

I do not care for those and like nicer areas with some appreciation as well even if it mean getting 1 to 2% per year less in the short term.The extra yield you think you are getting in the rough areas disappears when they thrash the place and you spends thousands fixing it.

The loan officer disappeared on me and my application fell through the cracks.

The MIP doesn't go towards the mortgage and doesn't get refunded - it is essentially money that just gets paid and 'disappears'. 

Sometimes guys disappear.

Can you "disappear" any profits with contributions to retirement accounts or HSA?

Using estimates as I can find them from Zillow or rentometer allows me to narrow into an area and then using actual rent data (and how quickly those rentals disappear) help confirm where my rent should be. 

They almost seemed to expect it because they disappeared quickly.I've rejected another due to insufficient income.