Way, WAY ahead of their normal, rational 2007 brain functions... since they thought at the time prices always go up.

I'm flipping in the Tampa area and my rational was that it'll save me money on my first flip.

Focusing on the timeline will cause you to accept a poor deal (and rationalize it as a good one) as you get closer to your 90 days...without a deal yet. 

If there were 100 dog owners (of which I am one, and have been for years...along with many in my family), all having the same breed of dog, and 75% of them bit someone and caused great harm, the 75% would never buy that dog again...and warn other about it.The 25% would rationalize that because their dog didn't bite anyone, that that breed was perfectly safe...and the other 75% were wrong, and probably dog haters.

Our Raleigh market still amazes me that pricing is the way it is -- which is above what I think is rational.

You must remain logical and rational in this game, or you can lose out big time...

Also, no rational tenant is going to sign away his right to sue if he develops health issues caused by your place.

People that are in financial distress can sometime do very un-rational things.

All of which generally involves the payment of what can be pricey fees and time.In order to rationally engage and pay for the kind of services noted above, you need to gain control of the property so that you know that you are not trying to score without having possession of "the ball".

Basically, she looked after her own interests in a calm, rational way.Maybe figure out  what value you can bring to the table that other buyers can't?