I'm a lot more comfortable taking a credit and giving future uncertain payment to seller if it does happen.

A Realtor is not necessary to close a transaction, but for newbies, they are often helpful to have engaged in the process as they can flag unusual items in the sales agreement.Is the seller using a standard sales agreement or do they have something they made up or pulled off the internet?   

There is a lack of inventory for the properties that are luxury because of some uncertainity in the market and the richer don't want to spend right now.

It is not about cash flow.As for appreciation that is uncertain and I can see the day when there may be a mass exodus out hi-rise windows when the markets turn.

. $200-$250 sq ft is not unusual, depending on condition.

It would be an unusual lender that would work with just the wife, regardless of the quit claim.

It is not unusual for a discount to be the same at month 2 as month 24 since the defects in the loan are what cause the discount not simply on -time payments.  

@Alexander Price 70k is not out of the question as there are comps to support that, but also comps to suggest lower, but that is not unusual in many areas. 

Nothing too unusual, but today I read on the web site of a local prominent property management company: Dispelling the myth of positive cash flowChapel Hill real estate is renowned for its consistent, stable, and relatively generous appreciation.

Is this unusual?