Calling listing agents?

[Cory Lucas]

I'm thinking on moving on from my current realtor and just calling the listing agents. For those that do this any recommendations or methods you follow when doing so? Or lessons you've learned?

I'm sure I'll be asked why, it's something I'm contemplating because I'm losing faith in my realtor. 2 of the past deals I've inquired on I feel I've been blown off. One was a duplex and I wanted to see if he could find out lease information, didn't hear back and the deal went pending, when I checked back in with him that's all I got was, "It's pending." 

The second one, I had put an offer in on a property and the last he and I talked they were going to counter and we were waiting to hear back from the city as the property was rundown and they were wanting either the foundation fixed or to possibly tear it down. Hadn't heard back, hadn't heard back, and that one went pending and sold. So I asked what happened and this was literally the response I received, "Not sure. I'm guessing they had a higher cash offer and took it." 

So I guess my question could be two fold, what else should I/could I have done there? I'm just getting the feeling that he doesn't have much interest in chasing the properties down that I'm looking at, which are BRRRR properties and not on the high end for purchase price. And I'm beginning to feel I'd have better luck on quickly looking at the properties by calling the listing agent. I'd much prefer to have someone in my corner, but I've missed out on some properties trying to work with a single realtor at this point

Thanks in advance for the time and feedback