Selling home in Oakland, CA- fees/staging/flexibility?

[Doug Bielecki]

Hi all, getting ready to list our breakeven rental in Oakland, CA, in search for something to BRRRR with cash flow either local or out of state. Sourcing an listing agent to help get the unit ready and wanted to see what's normal vs not from the BP community.

Have a relationship with a listing agent but they're unwilling to budge on the 3% fee on their end. Also expecting us to pay for staging the house.  Is this cost expected to come from the seller directly, or considered part of marketing materials and paid for via their 3% rate?

Was targeting being all in on commissions for 5% (2.5% each side). What risks come with paying selling side 3% while buyer side is only 2%? 

Feedback welcome, thanks for insight.