2011 ended right with GMAC short sale approval of my seller's house.  It took many counters and many Equator emails, but it came though.

A few details others may find helpful:

1) GMAC  (as 1st) went for a cash contribution.  We negotiated down for a small amount. I had prepared my seller for this but was surprised GMAC wanted it.

2) We had an offer at the time of package submission. Seller had just missed his first payment.

3) 6% only to junior liens per investor guidelines BUT they are ok with a seller cash contribution toward the 2nd. I had been posting on here about concerns it would be rejected at closing if on HUD.  Negotiator said it will be fine (GMAC is getting cash too)

4) Only took 45 days from time of submission to get the bank's counter.

5) GMAC reqired buyer to present a good faith estimate to approve closing costs

Seller is extremely happy, buyer is extremely happy.  This couldn't have gone better. I didn't have any problems on Equator with negotiator - she responded same day or next to everything.

Thanks everyone!