You could also call the Housing Office of the area directly with your questions.

One thing I've learned in my recent purchase of a Fannie Mae REO is that they do not allow anyone affiliated with a broker to purchase a Fannie Mae listed home that is listed by that brokerage (even if in another office).

The purchase price does not directly effect the assessed value unless the assessors office takes it into consideration.  

I'm a full time Naval Officer, getting close to retirement.

but that's it and that's Prime CA .. and it requires 20 to 30% cash into the deal.. the other thing you have a hard time with in some markets and much of the rust belt is your buying very inexpensive proeprteis and lenders don't want to make tiny loans.. they are not worth the time and the risk.

I also have an office in China and both manufacture and import products from overseas.

Our attorney is Jeff Ehrlich (he has a Court St office), and we loved how he navigated us through BS versus the norm.

Should I wait to find a deal before meeting with the loan officer?

A lot of their back office operations are moving to the DE/Wilmington area.

You usually get better pricing through a title company for legal work than through an attorney's office.