Obviously, the buyer's agent was singing to a different tune when speaking with the listing agent, picking up on where the sellers are at and how motivated they truly are.A garbage agent isn't worth it, no doubt.

Any recommendations for reputable wholesalers or a good source for off-MLS deals (Singe- or multi-family) in Rochester, NY (Southeastern part of the City)? 

Don't go into anything thinking it's a slam dunk, while it sounds good, nothing is over til the fat judge sings.

For singe-family homes, no.

I'm sure I would be singing a different tune if we had a bad S8 tenant.

Contact those companies and ask to speak with one of their sales people, they sing like canaries if they think they could get you signed up as a new customer. 

How to reach an asset manager..Hire a private investigator to find out who they are, what office they work out of and the name of their executive secretary.Have the investigator find out what organization(s) or clubs the manager belongs to, show up at one of their meetings as a true believer who has fortuitiously "bumped into them".Try sending a big bouquet of flowers to the executive secretary along with a singing telegram person who will deliver your message and hand him or her some ballons and a bottle of good wine with your compliments and business card.

I wonder if a little call to ICE might have had her singing a different tune.  ;-)

Dance, sing, and make pancakes in the morning! 

Or singing.