Her ex mentioned seeing it was worth $125K online which would be a bit tough considering it needs a new kitchen, and even though I've been inside a couple times I don't even know if it's 1 or 2 baths (Zillow & Realtor say different things) Oh I'd love to have two contiguous properties! 

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Seen this play many times.. and why I am pretty anti sub too from the sellers side of the table. 

I was trying to consider some factors that may come into play - from what I understand you can put as little as ~3.5% down under an FHA loan - will it be more beneficial for me to put "more skin in the game" with the largest possible down payment I can make (say, closer to 10-15%)?

However, the broker has a reputation to maintain with his buyer list, and he knows both sides need to play-nice in order for the deal to happen, so he's incented to be helpful to both parties.

I believe you can also find the public records online.

If they can’t or won’t pay online, maybe they could go to amascot or go and deposit into your account

I have switched accountants and I see now that the online Pro version is $60/month. 

And of course were you live is the mother of all appreciation plays.. :)

We purchase houses off the MLS or at auction using a rehab loan from a private lender, get the work done (mostly outsourced, though my husband likes to do some of it himself), pay our contractors with rehab draws from the loan, then list it using on online MLS listing broker and use our attorney for the closing.