In fact, in my pre-licensing course in Mass, the instructor said that if we were ever in a setting with other agents, like a gathering at a bar, and someone said something like "you know, we should all agree to a minimum of Z%" that we were to loudly and publicly excuse ourselves.Business brokering is so much more fun - and we charge a lot more commission too!

At the end of the day, total finance charges (interest, origination and pre-payment penalties), leverage and cost of equity should be considered when deciding on the financing option that makes most sense.

As far as the open houses , I can see some attorneys selling a pre made contract to buyers and the buyers without agents will fill out the contract and hand it to the selling agent . 

It is not really true because to get the same rate it will cost much more in upfront costs in either origination or discount fees, AND much higher back end fees in pre-payment penalties.

I have only bought 2 ways- MLS and through wholesalers so this is my first experience with pre-foreclosure. 

What would be nice is also to have someone on more often who has been around a longer period of time (ala pre-2008) as most people in real estate only know the good times and what we have ahead of us is not the good times.

With that income and currently no debt I was able to get pre-approved for properties in the 300k mark.

Then, the pre-existing travel boom is going to come back and accelerate, as most people can't wait to travel (overseas).

Employer profit sharing contribution is pre-tax and a business expense for the business. 

(I'm sure you know as ex-mortgage, but I'm putting it out here anyway for others) First, make sure you have your pre-approval for any financing you'll need before you even start your pursuit.