@Stephen D.As Shaun indicated yes you are liable for the difference and no the Title Company is notThe amount of the 2016 Property taxes where not known until October(ish) so the title company pro-rates based on 2015 taxes.  

The home I went after had been on the market a few weeks with no offers, and the HomeUnion local agents that work with the selling agent indicated that one other offer came into the mix last minute.

Given that you already have two properties (even though one is primary), and you have not indicated that this property would show any sort of monthly cash flow, I would not expect your excellent credit score to change the lending criteria of a minimum 25% down payment. 

$2200 in medical collections. 1 landlord indicated she was late on the rent 10 times in a year but paid up by the 14th of each month.

The following eight characteristics are key indicators for success in this field—it’s what separates the best from the merely goodPassion.  

Unless your state codes indicate otherwise applicants have no right to know why they are not accepted and giving a reason only gives them something to argue or defend.Landlords only need to inform applicants that they have not been accepted or that someone else more qualified has been accepted. 

If the tenant refuses to communicate then there isn't anything else you can do short of hiding out all day in a ghillie suit trying to sneak attack.That being said you could include a way in the 3-day notice to quit that provides a solution to the problem, or include a statement that indicates you wish to resolve this without an eviction.

It might give you and indication. 

Once they open my letter, I'll prove to them first hand how opening my letter is indication that it will help their business!

While I understand rehabbing is not without its hidden risks, I hopping to learn ways to identify the signs that indicate more repairs.