Or maybe the lender was extremely difficult to deal (their lender is one that is particularly tough) and they had refinaced the remodelling costs so they had recourse loans (definitely) and the lender wanted a siginifcation seller contribution (almost certainly) and/or would not release them of the deficiency (very likely also).

You can dream things go the way you wish they would but being an active participant in this market (as SD R and I am) we know the reality. There really isnt anything to be pissed about on Driscoll (other than the sellers getting a free ride for a while) and you are free to buy it today at the market price.