(it took almost 10 years...the comfort of my corporate job kept me from being as hungry as I could have been).  

His excuse was that his partners weren't comfortable selling to me and they thought I was hesitating to close because I was given a 14 day closing instead of the 7 they provided.

No, I'm not a millionaire (but comfortable... work in progress) and nope not a guru either.

for what I would be comfortable with handling and compare.

signed at their current place of residence, etc. if they seem more 'comfortable' there (i.e. somewhere neutral, or more 'casual') and already are almost certainly signing the agreement? 

you agree to provide a safe, clean and comfortable place for him to live. 

Someone retired can live very comfortably off of that.Someone in their 20's trying to quit their job and go real estate full time is generally willing to take on massive headache properties for perceived higher yields to try to build up ongoing cash flow so that they can sustain themselves and break free from the rat race.    

I've been really getting excited about real estate lately and just need to find something within my comfort zone.

Also don't ever pay for the "lists" when they are public information you can get from the comfort of your couch.

Ask the agent if that's something they feel comfortable performing for you or not?