HelloI'm currently in a position where I have signed a 6-month fixed term lease, paying $800 per month (effective January 1 2016) - with a three-month termination notice clause. 

 $1500 or much more depending on steps necessary to bring it down without collateral damage.  

Sounds like the smoke damage is already done.  

It will have a negative effect on your credit score!

Ideally, it is the appraiser's opinion to utilize sales which have the most recent settlement dates, however, due to a paucity of settled sales in the subject's market area, it was necessary for the appraiser to widen the market search to obtain comparables with similar utility, style and effective age.

Are there any negative side effects of having a quick deed claim?

Each state has its own terminology, but recording a release, termination or reconveyance of the mortgage instrument should be effective.  

When I'm calling expireds and someone says something to the effect of so and so will cut their commission I use that as an opportunity to point out the agents potential weakness.

I believe doing walk throughs with others like you have been doing Account Closedis the most effective method in learning this.

You may be confusing documents and patterns.An affidavit death of joint tenant would be recorded along with a death certificate but would not necessitate a probate to effect an insurable transfer.There are summary probates in some state that require minimum court involvement.In my state, CA, a formal probate is required when the Decedent's interest and their total gross estate exceed $150,000.