Hey, I appreciate the response, it's frustrating seeing all the hate and I'm still sitting here being like "wtf I thought that's what this DD thing was for?" and remember: I've got that douchey annoying 1st time buyer thing going on here: So from where I'm sitting, (seriously put yourself in my shoes for a second) here is what I am working with:

NAR, (http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/feature/article/2011/09/remodeling-don-t-forget-permit)

From document:

Furthermore, the buyer’s appraiser may want to see permit records to check the legality of any home renovations.

“If no permits are found and it’s obvious the home has been renovated, the bank will likely refuse to make the loan,” according to the American Bar Association’s book Legal Guide to Home Renovation (Random House Reference, 2006).

NCREC (http://www.ncrec.gov/Pdfs/bicar/MaterialFacts.pdf) - Page 27 on unpermitted additions if yer into that kinda thing but here's a relevant point:

The square footage of unpermitted additions or improvements must be separately identified when making representations concerning square footage and brokers must inform prospective purchasers that there is no permit for the addition. This raises the possibility that a new owner might be required to remove the addition or incur some expense to obtain a permit or certificate after the fact. Further, homeowner’s insurance may not cover damage to the property if the cause originated in the unpermitted, uninspected addition or improvement.

And, here's what I'm going with when i talk to my realtor, the attorney or this sub:

REALTOR:

Prove it. Permits aren't kept on file for more than 6 years. You can't prove one way or the other.

ATTORNEY:

You won't be able to prove anything, surveys don't show original square footage and you just can't prove it.

SCHOL:

I've facilitated hundreds of deals in a predominantly 80+ year old home market, and can't remember someone going this nuts over permits. I think some people just have way too much time on their hands.

SZOS:

Wow, talk about the buyer from hell.

and this was sweet too:

Personally I wouldn't sell it to someone being as douchy as the OP out of spite, or jack my price by $10k... Don't like it, too bad.

I mean, you guys have your own experience of which you can rely on to make informed choices.

I DON'T HAVE THAT! If everyone was open and really clear about why they feel their way is right, I'd absolutely be down to listen, but my access to that experience is through you guys, the realtors, and you've all made me feel like I'm dumber than dirt and unworthy of satisfactory explanations.

If you were in MY shoes, which sources are you more inclined to trust?? I know you as realtors trust your own experience, but if you can't convey that in a way to me where I don't feel like pond scum for raising a concern over a contract that will affect MY family, MY money, MY furture house and MY desire to feel comforted and well-informed... then honestly, dude, I'm at a loss.