The point is, delays are not unusual in short sales and the servicer and mortgagee typically do not have contract language which puts them at risk of entering and losing a contract for lack of performance unless they desire for that to happen.

You will probably need it for prequalification as well.30-60 Days doesn't seem unusual for approving a HELOC.  

I found that unusual because usually the sellers will you leave the window blinds.

It is certainly appropriate for you to require verification and if the person is pushing back, move on.The one with the woman contacting you in behalf of her son, that's not unusual for an initial inquiry but at this point, tell her you don't rent through third parties and he needs to contact you directly.

The only thing that can change this is if they state has a limit on damage liability which is very unusual.

It is neither unusually short nor unusually long.

Unusual for this market.

As to the seller of the house, unless there was some unusual language in the purchase agreement or warranty offered as newly rehabbed house, they have no responsibliy since I assume you had an opportunity to inspect during a due diligance period.

When it was all said and done, we figured it was easier if we deposited one check in the beginning.There are other cases where I got such requests, though unusual, but not a red flag in all cases.I thought post dated check were illegal or is that just my lovely state of MA again ?

It will create both a demand shock ( yikes I don't want to buy right now) and a supply shock (yikes I should wait until this blows over to sell) which is unusual--it won't force the hand of either buyers or sellers.