My rationale for going this route is that I know as an amatuer I will only be able to get the florr "SO" level and this would give me the most room/cushion for error and hide more imperfections. 

Seller(s) also agree to sign an affidavit at closing personally guaranteeing the validity of all leases and rent ledgers.Now that may seem like a lot for a seller to agree to, but if they have nothing to hide, why would they not agree?

Not sure if Chicago is the same way, but I would not try to hide a purchase price from a friend/family member when any random person could spend 15 minutes or less figuring it out on their own.

@John Vietmeyer We have them in our primary residence. (1 GSP and 2 labs) They are durable and resistant to scratches, we also picked the ones with a greywash to help hide any scratches from the dogs.I don't recall if ours is 6.3mm thick, but the original padding that was underneath made the flooring sound hollow, so we replaced it with a thicker pad and it solved the issue. 

The houses with issues were priced to cover the cost of repair as it was disclosed and plus you couldn't hide it if you know what to look for. 

The rest of the world is on a kamakazie mission with rates global debt investors have no where to hide with 30 percent of sovereign debt markets with negative yields.

Why don't you just show the receipts as nd costs unless you have something to hide from your psrtners?

Why anyone wouldn't have over a bank statement, but would be ok with handing over taxes is beyond my comprehension, unless they are hiding something. 

Now would you prefer your waiter to hide for an hour and not tell you what is going on or to tell you upfront so you can order another drink from the bar? 

Well, it won't kill you, but you will remember the experience for a long time.What are they hiding that they don't want an inspection?