And the fact that both parties were represented by knowledgeable , experienced real estate attorneys insured a framework in place for the best possible outcome.  

It's also about exit strategies - and this approach only as represented by your post only has one - attempt to hold on long enough for appreciation and amortization to create equity, giving you the option to sell. 

When a buyer has to sign something they will be more careful in who they chose to represent them.

In my nearly 20 years of representing landlords and property management companies, I have advised against allowing tenants to perform services for the landlord in exchange for rent reduction.

Court confirmation (In CA) is required when there is Limited Authority ~ Disputed estates or the PR (Personal Representative) cannot be bonded.

It's okay to send a representative in your place if this is not a strength of yours.

Only difference is homes have a little further to drop in this cycle.3) FTHB currently represent 32% of purchases.

Someone at your bank, who likely never loaned a dime in his life, has decided on the restrictions they think you need to meet to comply with regulations important to him or her.What might be most convincing is a letter from your lending attorney explaining that he’s been representing you in all lending matters for 14 years (or the last x years) to ensure you comply with all state and federal rules and requirements.

What does $20k represent to your initial investment? 

the proper way to solve an appraisal issue as someone who has 500 transactions and represented both sides of a lot of transactions is to get 4 appraisals with 4 banks