Duplex purchasing - non responsive listing agents

[Stephanie Simmons]

If you were a listing agent for a income producing duplex - what would cause you to not respond to another agent inquiring about your listed property?

There are a few I am interested in (and I am an agent) - but before I spend time trying to work around tenants to see the property I want to know if the sellers can provide copies of the leases and proof that the tenants are paying. Am I asking too much before getting under contract?

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Stephanie Simmons, I would ask a different question to start with. Can the property be provided vacant? 

If the tenant is month to month or if their lease allows for termination with a sale. This way if you want the property, you get it under contract, then vet the tenants. If you don't want a tenant, make the seller get them out before you close. 

That is probably a simpler question then trying to get payment info about a tenant. The landlord may have poor records. They may be receiving payments in cash, not depositing them, etc. 

Or simply ask if they are currently current on their rent. That is a simpler question. 

I'm more interested in the property not the tenant because a tenant can be changed out fairly easily in most cases.