While I believe the old theory of the law favoring the lender over a borrower is still true, it's how the lender conducts business that has been placed under the microscope. 

Anything out of the box and expect to be looked at under an intense microscope.

If you talk someone into giving $5,000 for a ROFR, you'll likely be viewed under a predatory microscope.

How do I microscope this situation?

Hi,    Having invested in Plano, TX between 2011 to 2013, I am not able to convince myself to buy there at current asking prices. However the region has potential and therefore now looking around, Carrollton, Farmer' ...

Smaller banks and credit unions are probably your friend at this point.You may even want to try online lenders, as they perceive risk much differently and tend to be under less of a microscope.

While the Zestimate is presented in huge, bold lettering, you'll need an electron microscope to find the link to their disclaimers.Here in the Boston market, Zillow claims to be within 10% of the sale price 79.3% of the time. 

We can over analyze all of the microscopic factors that a system like Zillow cannot account for.

Obviously, I'm not trying to get under the microscope of the city because this was done, although correctly and meets all code requirements, without permits. 

The bottom line is that nobody likes to feel that they're living under a microscope.