lol Well, it's because those bozos pull crap like that the first chance they get.

When I pull into the parking lot or if he sees me coming out of my home, he runs into his house quickly.

Like @Rob Massopust said, pull your report and look for inconsistencies.

I have it in my mind that I would do "3 strikes" meaning that I'd put in an offer and at least 2 additional counter counters before pulling the plug. 

It's about you and your ability to pull off the BRRRR.

I am looking at pulling the trigger on buying a small duplex in Baltimore Maryland.

Is the result any worse than if I just refi and pull as much cash out as possible on a property with a conventional loan?

lol its great to plan very good job, now lets move on from speculation and vision and start learning the different markets on a national then state then local level once youve learned the hottest markets to invest in right now then you can start pulling the trigger on cashflow properties, or you can just invest passively with someone you trust

Its all about the team and acquiring as much knowledge as possible before pulling the trigger.

I just knew they were rare and If I were to pull the trigger , it would most likely have to be off market.