It was unusual but the reputation of the school provided a protective halo so it became a neutral/mild positive.

By using a third party representing me I am able to maintain a more unbiased posture, allow the emotion to blow off without influencing my decision making process, and hopefully reach an agreed plan which provides them with time to rearrange their lives and me to suffer the least cost.Btw, not unusual for a relative not to inform their relative tenants that foreclosure is taking place.  

It's not unusual to go into business ventures with people we have a personal connection to, it's just important not to miss the steps you'd take if you were doing business with anyone else. 

Do you think this is so unusual that they may be lying?

This is an unusually profitable deal though.

My research couldn't find any cases similar to theses unusual facts so I retained counsel who also couldn't find anything on point. 

It may not always be a good idea to buy a particular property due to unrealistic asking prices above the general market or unusually depressed rental prices in the area (e.g., due to crime).

There is no way he could have covered all the bases without legal advice.Also, it is unusual how similar you and I are.

I'm thinking maybe depressed rents, long vacancies, maybe some more unusual types of tenants that would be okay with that.  

Not unusual at all.