Buying off market before they hire an agent

[Jared Lillard]

I ran into an old friend last week and he told me about some apartments his company acquired and needs to sell. I was hoping to get this deal off-market, but he informed me today that they're planning to hire an agent this week. Does anyone have any advice on how I might encourage them to NOT hire the agent and give me a shot at the deal first? I know absolutely NOTHING about this property yet.