I know some title companies in Chicago do want to see the separation by 2-3 days, but again that is a situation where they are not competent or comfortable enough that they can document that there were two distinct transactions which were separately funded, the first by you with transactional funding and the second with other funds from your end buyer.

The old paint is still in the garage, so I could make those repairs myself, but I know it wouldn't look nearly as nice as a professional repainting job.The kitchen/dining is painted a horrible BLOOD RED color.

All she wants is something that she can feel comfortable with, even if she has to do some dirty work to make it her own, a nice yard for our 12 year old son and a decent school system.

I'd say it really all boils down to your goals & comfort level.

I would be more comfortable using a letter campaign or connections to identify the properties today, but I'd need to do more research to figure out how best to follow through after I found one.

Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA."

Use a standard form, if that makes you and the seller more comfortable.

In our case, it will be traveling as well as wine-and-dining.

I wasn't comfortable with the first option, so he had someone else meet me there. 

Drive that area and make sure you are comfortable there.