One day she did come to work and say a tactical unit was poking around her bushes, looking for someone who allegedly was hiding.

The system has corrupted the legal process to the point that whether you are guilty or not your only option is to settle out of court.The resent situation with Disney in Florida is a perfect example of the distorted scenes of greed over powering logic.

I understand some of these REs may simply be trying to drum up business, so what's the best way to respond to find out if a) this interest is legitimate - i.e. there are actually buyers who are interested and this isn't some bait and switch tactic, and b) if the buyers are indeed real, how to get the best deal for my property if I decide to proceed. 

Seems like a stall-tactic.

Bullying tactics pure and simple.They are doing their best to restrict the movements of everyone's money so it doesn't surprise me that your bank is asking this.IMHO knowing what I'm like, I'd tell them in no uncertain terms, it's none of their business.It's an outrage really, but someone who maybe a little more adroit would offer an answer of, well it's for personal reasons.

That is another tactic used by tenants especially if they move out quick to go elsewhere and just say use the security deposit for the last month.

What other tactics can we try?

Do not be insulted by my opinion if you yourself have used such tactics, because clearly it is not wrong thing to do.

Tired and true sales tactic.

Outside of that, I think the ignorance is bliss, look the other way strategy is an excellent tactic.