Frustrated with listings, offers and finding deals.

[Erik B.]

Not sure if I'm just looking to vent or if there's even a question here.... Last 2 years my agent and I have been consistently searching the mls and zillow for deals while I work on networking and educating myself on finding off market deals. I finished my first flip over the summer and it closed in August. Since then I have submitted multiple offers on houses. My offer includes proof of funds, pre approval from HML lender and I am usually near asking price and many times over it. It feels like this whole system is a joke. I honestly feel that sometimes the listing agents are waiting for an exclusive offer and not even submitting ours. Is this even possible or common? -Half the time we submit an offer to never here anything back. Not even notice it was received. -Finding it impossible to talk to the listing agent(s). They either are protected by their receptionist or will not return calls or emails. -Cant gain any further info about said property. -We have waited a few days to see properties that were supposed to go "live" to call a few days later to find its off the market already! I just this week had a offer accepted. Contracts were sent out and I was about to sign but I found out on my own (it was never stated in the listing) that this house is mandated by the town to be raised and my offer did not take that cost into consideration. I guess what I'm trying to get at is.... I am motivated and determined, I want to get these wheels turning and start consistently doing multiple projects a year. But I'm feeling discouraged and a lil lost. Is it even possible without actual cash to get an offer accepted? Am I better off submitting my offer to the listing agent so they get full commission instead of using my wonderful hard working agent? I know MLS is not where it's at but someone is getting those deals. Is there any advice or tricks to getting better results?