Travis:We provided the engineering report (which was stamped by a Texas registered engineer, the stamp carries a lot of weight) to the buyer to give them comfort that the foundation problem, while observed in some visual evidence of settling through wall cracks at corners ect., was not severe and could be dealt with one pier.  

What are the best sites to monitor housing data like this and others?

They need to be monitored and controlled as much as any tenant.  

Also beware that some realtors are in the habit of just looking at an automated CMA (comparative market analysis) that spits out a number - these too can be way off, especially now that the market is heating up in many areas.Bottom line, learn your market, and learn how to evaluate comps yourself, then you have no one else to blame if you under or over price a property.One final note - you don't actually have to buy properties in your market to evaluate and monitor their list price, days on market, and sale price - pick several representative properties in your area to monitor and evaluate as test cases so you can learn by doing, but without risking any money or wasting anyone's time. 

Cash has weight but not as much as investors think.If my seller wanted a cash buyer in that instance we would simply reduce the price down until we found one who would pay a premium.Example from 3 mill to 2.9,then 2.8 etc. and get cash at 2.7 to 2.6 instead of 1.8.ORThe seller could do a wrap with 20% down and sell for a much higher price.If you applied the 50% theory in some areas the property would be gone in a few hours at those levels.50% is like hitting a grand slam when most hit doubles.Depending on the area the 50% theory does not always apply.It is simply a guideline where other factors have to be taken in.

But ultimately, I'd like a lot of this information to be tracked and easily reportable so that I can monitor my progress and refine it over time. 

You can monitor any lien activity by logging in to check your account.

-LOL Also, yes I am signed up with a credit monitoring site (includes all 3 bureaus w/ all 3 scores) and do have my eye on it.

Does a verbal offer carry the same weight that a written offer does?

It is better to start a new thread than to expect people from 9 months to 2 years ago to still be monitoring this