You can cut out windows and add sound proofing. 

Send it by email/regular mail and by certified mail/proof of delivery.2. 

However what's going through my mind is this in the cycle of buying and selling and real estate and wondering where the end actually is.

Really, what happened was just as a broken clock is right twice a day, real estate prices go up down in cycles, so those who always predict it will go up, will be right, and those who always predict it will go down will be right. 

Sometimes they want proof of an assignment agreement, and then they move on. 

Hold it long enough and your tax base is far below value.So I do not have a crystal ball but I know the past has indicated purchasing at close to market highs has provided a good return for a long hold and I know that missing out on an appreciation cycle could result in being priced out of a market.If you like the house and the area and can afford it, I recommend buy rather than wait for any potential, but far from guaranteed, price decline.

This does not sound like the sage advice you would normally give as someone who has been through multiple RE cycles.

If a realtor has a property listed the homeowner is willing to sell their property for a wholesale price (because they are motivated) do you need to show the realtor proof of funds in order to get the deal under contract to flip it?

Most refinance cash back you will get is 75% but no stress or haggle or excessive proof

If you try to purchase as "all cash", most sellers agents will require you will still need to show proof of funds...