Ever hire a real estate attorney?
I have had to, yes. I have bought and sold a few homes over the years. 
Same here. I went through a title company that was also a law office, and completely cut out the realtor when I bought my home. It saved a bundle!
Oh, I bet it did! The commissions are huge on higher real estate costs these days. I live in an apartment now and I love the freedom. 
I bought a house shortly after the whole mortgage crisis, but I'm glad I did. The value has skyrocketed since.
Yes, you made a wise choice! My dad bought in Palm Springs during the crisis and his property has quadrupled since then. He got in cheap. 
I go down to west palm sometimes for work. How do you like the humidity? lol
You must be thinking of Florida, because I'm referring to the Palm Springs in the California Desert- there is absolutely zero humidity there!