My other business is medical billing services.  

I'm going to run fast and loose with the numbers for my convenience.Given your assumptions, how can you either generate more revenue and/or reduce the expenses?

In my case, I follow that person because not only does she know me but the lender she now works for have reduced fees than where she was. 

Also take a quick look to see if you can reduce miscellaneous personal spending by any amount to make this dream come true.  

Use follow up questions to get them to further reduce their own price.If you want to learn more look up Michael Quarles  BP podcast.  

I'm 18 just graduated high school and currently working full time at a pharmacy delivering medications.

I watched it be reduced multiple times until it was at 45K.  

NOT UNDER THE INFLUENCE: I am not now under the influence of alcohol or any other mind-altering substance, nor am I taking medication that would cloud my judgment or make me unable to think clearly. ________ 20.

My banker says it doesn't matter what the closing date is, but it seems to me that closing at the beginning of the month would allow me to use current month rents to reduce my out-of-pocket cash needed at closing.

Unless you're a real estate agent and can perform the short sale yourself I don't foresee one paying a "fee" to take one on- they can be very tedious, time consuming and sometimes banks will reduce commissions which makes for a whole lot of work for little pay.Now, if you could be the actual end buyer on the deal (short sale)- then that would be worth exploring.