You can probably recover your costs, and occasionally some extra damages if you can prove adverse financial consequences, but it's rare that a court forces an unwilling seller to follow through on a sale. 

That being said, I'm not unwilling to bury my nose in a book, make a bad *** spread sheet, or put in the time to be the best I can be at any task.

And the main item for high cost of living is expensive real estate.Analysis:  For the last 30 years, California has been unable (or unwilling) to add new housing stock to keep up with demand,  to keep up with the growth in population. 

Banks are unwilling to loan money to investors.

I wouldn't buy these if you don't plan to drive them for a few years, most banks don't like to finance them and majority of people are unwilling to buy them even at 60 to 70% of kbb value.

In the example cases shown above, a deal would fall through if the buyer is unwilling or unable to bring more money to the table and/or the seller making repairs, and no commission is due.The only way that a selling agent is due a commission, without the seller signing, is if the buyer comes with a contract offering you your asking price, and no other terms/stipulations. ie.

Many people in rough areas are unwilling to move or unwilling to pay an extra 100-300 a month to get to an area that's exponentially better.

And more importantly you also face the not inconsequential risk that the bank will be unwilling to refinance (roll over) the loan.

I know because I have had many many unwilling landlords when I was looking for a place with my dog(s)/cat(s) in the past - I just had to find that landlord willing to meet us in person - and 'voila!

If you're unwilling to do this, and talk about tough topics (like what happens if one of you dies, divorces, remarries, the partnership needs more money, you can't agree on replacing the roof, etc., etc., etc) then I recommend an alternative.