Bottom line:  either learn to do them yourself, or establish a relationship with a title company/abstractor that can run preliminary title for a fairly reasonable amount. 

I'd wager the only reason you even noticed was because of the close proximity to the counter and the fact that you happen to be focusing on it at the time.

., if any.Copies of the last three years’ profit and loss statementsList of all capital expenditures in the last 3 yearsDate of systems updates, if known (plumbing, electric, roof, HVAC) Preliminary Title ReportCopies of the most recent title insurance policies, if any.

If this continues to occur on a larger scale, I'll wager $1000 on this being heavily regulated in the future especially with more and more inexperienced investors jumping into apartment syndication. 

One bank I contacted is offering me better terms, but it is all preliminary at this point from them so we will see.

The O&E report is a way to double check your work.If you have a good relationship with a title rep, maybe you could do even better and have them run a preliminary title report for you for free.I bet that there's a good chance that the sale is going to get postponed.

He said his boss told all his PMs to not reach out to tenants with this kind of preliminary offering of help or understanding.

If you are spending that much on your next home I'd wager your current home may also be somewhat of a luxury home and thus not a great investment, you'd probably be better off selling it then buying a rental or rentals for investment if you decide to purchase the new luxury home.

For our next purchase we are looking into local banks, and even in the preliminary stages, they have been great to work with and it sounds like they can be more flexible than the big banks. 

Is it worth doing a Preliminary Title Search (by title company) prior to bidding?