Wholesalers v flippers v buy and hold.) who gets hit worst and how does each types strategy to fight the downturn differ?

I mean I have been give some awesome off-market deals from Realtors don't get me wrong, but deals that you don't have to fight for seem more appealing to me. 

My grandmother is currently fighting Cancer battle #3, and we suspect she'll be joining your mom soon.

You've kind of depressed me, Don, with your explanation of the new Socialist REO system.Then again, J Scott has filled me with a bright new determination to fight past bank rejection until my bid is finally low enough.

Seems like it would be the $270,200.00 but I would think it would be worth fighting for saying it was the assessed value in that case!

I'd rather fight it in Austin any day!

The neighborhood seemed reasonably solid when I bought it, but has since been in decline (drug dealing, gang activity, fights in the street, speeding cars with loud stereos).

You may want to think about a tiered structure. 5% for check collecting. 7% for check collecting, and paying other recurring bills like landscaping, or any taxes or utilities the owner pays. 10% may be the "gold" level of service and may include yearly tax assessment evaluation and fighting with the assessor to bring down the assessment if needed.

I then sent over mutual release of earnest money, and selling agent is fighting to keep earnest money sent over response to give us half. 

Yes you can get a second opinion and fight it in ways, but typically that is very difficult.