I am partly relieved, but the ambition to do even more to prove more people wrong is even stronger.

@Tom Wagner,The rental market is stronger than it has been in quite a few years. 

From one landlord to another, I feel your pain, but this will make you stronger and it made me realize that it is a business based on numbers and facts, not gut feelings and wishful thinking.  

If you are okay buying another property, use your cash to purchase as you'll be in a much stronger position offering all cash and quick close versus using a loan.  

Not a big deal if it’s turn key.Also offer fast close - 30 day.Lastly, any money in escrow - would be forfeited to seller immediately.All of these things make the offer even stronger than 2000$ above asking.

If the data is stronger than expected, rates could easily snap back higher.

An idea would be buy via hard money (or private loan) and then take the deal to the credit union after w/ equity to look stronger?

Maybe he has found a stronger buyer who is willing to offer more money so he delay whole process to force us to drop out, then he will be a dual agent.

If the line last reported 4 years ago and you dispute it you may cause that line to be updated which have a stronger affect on your score than it was having being 4 years old.

Perhaps taking each seller's situation into stronger consideration would be helpful.