Joshua, Another way to get this information as well is to become "Colleagues" with popular posters in the Multi-family forums and then "PM" asking for this info.

The house is located in a very desirable and popular area.

This is an A location -- 2 blocks from the most popular lake in the city, 3 blocks from lake #2.  

Reading about some of the losses that many of you have endured is the only reason I felt inclined to post.

So far, I have always left and not made an offer right away (to discuss with my partner).One of the things that I have learned about negotiations is, unlike the popular belief, you have to take it slow.

In my area basements are very popular, as a hidie hole from those tornados that blow in from Oz.

Why isn't this approach more popular?

I think what will become more popular will be the team approach by agents and broker-agents.

First, it is important to note that the 12 month holding period that you mention is not a rule, but a very popular opinion. 

That is not popular advice here, I'm certain I'm in the minority.