The area is a poor, bedroom community along Illinois lakeshore. 

This is a very poor business practice.

The underlying tone in the electronic message is insulting, not to mention the poorly written structure. 

A key decision to make is whether or not title will transfer before or after the balloon payment. 

Not only because NOI does not include several major deductions, but because many important decisions will be made between your GP and their CPA during tax preparation.

Online... is a long and tedious process :) but if done consistently can be a great supplementary way of getting other folks to notice you and wanting to work with you...You just have to be honest, and even if you are a tire kicker and the newbie, as long as you present your journey showing who you are and where you are coming from and why you are thinking the way you are thinking then folks will learn to trust you, believe you and connect with you, which may or may not of course result in you get the right agent in your local area.Remember what may seem tire kicking to some, and means business as usual.... to you it's the entire life savings... type of decision...  

I appreciate the advice to interview as many brokerages as I can and then make a decision.

Many who fall into this category seem to take a long time to close on a deal because of cold feet, fear of making the wrong decision, and always thinking they can get a better deal. 

We have done probate purchases in Oklahoma, the executor was the decision maker.

I ended up buying a 54 unit and it has been the best decision.