Numbers are pretty black and white.What I need are measurable, concrete results, and if they are not the results I want, then adjust from there.  

depends on the part of moore you are in but you may have concrete or clay lines there and in the older areas there are large trees with lots of roots which combined create issues.  

I thought about making the advance contingent on clear title, that way it gives me time to find a buyer (I've got a couple in mind, but haven't got anything concrete) and if there are any issues with the title, I haven't thrown away $1000.

I put it over concrete and its holding up perfectly (2 yrs old)There are some good inexpensive products out there that give a high end result, you just have to dig for them.I will add a pic once I figure out how.

Its hard to give concrete tips without knowing a little more about the situation, but I've presented numerous times in similar type scenarios, and here are some of the things I've learned:know the numbers ahead of time, but don't throw numbers at them unless they ask (some people need to sit with big concepts before delving into math.  

Over concrete put down cheap 4 mil plastic sheathing as a vapor barrier just in case.

I am blessed because I [so far]am being blessed with the opportunity to live until I die. and I am having SO much fun playing with power tools, learning how to sand floors [ yes, I am using very special masks and all sorts of protection because of a supressed immune system] and I am getting ready to tackle repairing huge holes in the plaster walls that have concrete under them.

@Jack Martin I thought Pli-dek was a concrete treatment?  

It looks like real hard wood but durability of concrete and the price any landlord would love (0.69/foot today).

We won't do anything with concrete/asphalt unless it's a safety concern or such an eyesore that it will impact the sale of the house.