Correct me if I'm wrong, but in NY and NJ, the RE Agent typically does initial negotiation and from there both parties hire attorneys to draft the Sales Contract and handle closing. 

@Terry KoeppIf the Roth IRA will have an equity stake in the transaction, you will likely want a Checkbook IRA LLC as opposed to having a 3rd party custodian process all of the transactions.  

I'd talk to all parties, explain your extreme displeasure, and demand an onsite meeting with everyone. 

***As always check with a reputable real estate attorney*** before executing contracts to make sure you don't have loopholes that might wreck you - and you could lose whatever amount of money the other party reasonably sues you for.

So how do I figure out which ones will have a higher probability of going to a 3rd party bidder so as not to waste a bunch of time?

However recently, I have sold a couple of deals to buy and hold investors that have worked out well for both parties.

The name does not sound like they would be a neutral party like an escrow holder needs to be.

If the realtor only works for the other party then it is their job to get their client the most money out of their property.

I wasn't sure on some of the numbers since we're not technically buying this property, that part is already done.

Freddie/Fannie issues come up as well, primarily when PMI is involved, so you need to stay up to date on PMI guidelines if doing short term flips, many of them have NO WAY in 90 days rule, and 90-180 days a 2 Appraisal rule, and it doesnt stop at the PMI company, some Lenders have their own internal set of guidelines on this, so one bank may be able to do it and another cant using the same secondary financing, the funny part is most loan officers have no clue what you are talking about when you try to cove this on the front end.