They can also give you a better idea of how much you should be prepared to pay so you can cruise through your closing with confidence.And as you plan ahead for closing day, be sure to budget for your real estate agent’s professional service fee too, in case the seller doesn’t cover it.

I am an investor and real estate agent in Gulf Shores / Orange Beach and would be glad to help in anyway that I can. 

We're currently renting downtown and looking to get started as first-time home buyers in an owner-occupied duplex situation to start our path in rei. 

Josh its usually the buyers agent who sends the mutual release when the buyer wants to cancel not the listing agent..

This imbalance intensifies buyer competition, driving up home prices as demand outstrips supply.2.

Given the lack of activity / buyers in the market at this time with rates, would you reccomend holding and renting it until the market is better to sell in? 

Have you spoken with an agent or others to see if its the area?

.: Quote from @Marcus Auerbach: A lot of buyers have a psychological issue with #3.

Since you plan to travel often, focusing on systems and building a reliable team: agent, lender, property manager, and contractor. 

Normally seller pays buyer agent fees