Choosing between agents - How can I do it without burning bridges

[Allen Honnila]

I now have my finances in order to start the process of actively looking and bidding on houses. I have two good friends who are legitimate successful Real Estate agents. I have an acquaintance of a partner that is a practiced agent currently active in flipping. This third option clearly speaks my language and offers a possibility of a rebated fee I may be able to negotiate. I have had limited experience with Realtors for the purchase and selling of 3 personal residences. If I understand it correctly the Realtors will want to put me under contract to be exclusive with whoever I choose.

In my utopian world I want to simply say whoever brings me the deal I go with first I will go with that person as my agent. Being a devotee to the BP podcasts has me thinking I want to keep good relationships with all the people I interact with in this world of reputations. Suggestions please..