The IRS many times will see this as an attempt to pull profit out ahead of a sale and 1031 exchange. 

*Do not* buy more properties in an attempt to minimize cash flow issues.

I have not had any applicants attempt to scam me, but I hear about it all the time from landlords and property managers in larger cities.

I would attempt to locate on social media channels and reach out that way.

I attempted to engage in a creative financing deal with a gentleman that owned a very nice property that was in a pre-foreclosure state.

I can't believe they would even attempt that.

If the market shifts or similar properties are selling for less, bring this up as it might make your offer more appealing.However, if after several attempts there's still no movement and you feel the deal isn’t going anywhere beneficial, it might be wise to focus your attention on other opportunities.

I am attempting to refi under a DSCR loan proposed interest is 8.375%.

The residential brokerage industry is in transition right now; after numerous attempts the last 15 years by well financed - venture capital backed companies that attempted to "disrupt' the industry (ibuyers, Zillow, buyer's only agents, public access to MLS, flat fee MLS, discount brokers), we are still at basically the same place we were in 1975, i.e., 6% commission paid by seller.So, the next step is compliance with the settlement agreed; no offer on MLS of seller agent sharing points with buyer's agent.  

We know the housing, cost of living, dependence on tourism complexity and it will be interesting to see how this new attempt to repeal the TVR’s is going to shake out.