Uncooperative agent-What Would You Do?

[Tony Salemi]

We are getting ready to close on a duplex at the end of January.  Originally the listing agent told us the tenant in unit 1 wants to stay long term and they had an excellent prospective tenant for unit 2 that wants to move in Feb 1.  None of this influenced my decision to purchase the property, but at least I'm cash flowing on day 1.

When I met the tenant in unit 1, she was already asking me if she could break her lease which ends in May.  Strike 2 (strike 1 was another half truth from the realtor for another thread some day)

Late in December I see unit 2 listed on Craigslist.  Sooo.... they don't have a tenant? Strike 3.

I personally called the listing agent to ask if I could just market unit 2 myself.  (especially sine they're doing a poor job)  Tells me about how she's been very sick.  (which I'm sorry to hear but has no bearing what so ever on the situation).  I asked her to check if they have a commitment from the prospective tenant and if not, I would begin marketing the rental.  That was 3 days ago.  Haven't heard anything.

Should I go ahead with the marketing?  I have no real way of getting into the property to show it unless they allow us in for a few hours or something.  Should I keep pestering the listing agent?  I believe she just won't take my calls t this point.  Any Ideas.  Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

[Tony Salemi]

Quick update...I had contacted my attorney and asked him what my restrictions would be.  His advice was that I could not represent to anybody that I owned the property (until after closing) and I could not sign a lease or take a deposit until after closing.

So I listed it on Jan 19 and started setting up appointments for afternoon on the 26th since we closed that morning.  By the morning of the 26th, I had 5 appointments set among the leads that i pre-qualified.   By the next day I had 2 tenants ask to take it and I selected my best candidate.  We are scheduled to meet today to sign the lease.

So, I was able to get it rented in 8 days and have essentially zero vacancy to start.  I'm very happy with the results.

Thanks for everyone's help and advice.