We see this when there are essentially two different parties living in the same residence.

If you are talking a 15 million dollar deal then obviously many of the parties are top level from the commercial brokers down to the attorneys and the buyer and the seller.It is a war back and forth to get a balanced deal and go under contract.

For my part, I am a little worried about long-term prospects in Syracuse.

You also will need someone who will sign off on your financials, when you present them to a 3rd party for loans and other reasons.One of our clients hired a CPA since the last two years.

In other words, why are you in a better position to obtain an interest in a property than the occupants and what is that advantage worth to the various parties?

It gave you the status of someone that knew what they were doing and could handle all the required items involved, it was not a case of the blind leading the blind and the other party liked that.

How long can it maintain being a "party" destination? 

In theory both parties will eventually see everything.

loan that covers third-party costs where the rate has been locked, the GFE should show a credit for the interest rate chosen, in an amount sufficient to cover the estimated loan originator and third party fees.

If you invest where you live I would suggest going higher, we know how us Cougs love to party!