Since you're a Real Estate Agent in Ohio, I would love it if you would be my partner.

If the change has occurred and buyers are now doing this, surprised not discussed more  You as the buyer is paying for the agents commission one way or another , either by a higher sales price , or by cutting a check to your agent . 

They even offered to let me cohost one of their properties so that I can get hands-on experience and they're also a successful real estate agent whom they offered to help negotiate for.

I have good connections in the industry, and have a close relative who is a real-estate agent in the area.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

You get your own dedicated customer service agent and she handles anything I need in a very fast response time.I have run into a couple issues in the buying/rehab process, but I will say REI has rectified the situation to my satisfaction every time and without major pushback. 

Next step, connect with a investor friendly agent that will help scout out properties for you and/or connect with you others in the space with something off-market.

I would be surprised if there weren't notices given to both the defaulting End Buyer (You're in default, you must close by X date or we're forfeiting your deposit) as well as the escrow agent (Buyer defaulted, see contract Earnest Money paragraph regarding release) prior to that actually occurring.

Now dentist with two offices, lawyer, developer, commercial real estate agent, West Point grad, etc.

I bought the property from a wholesaler that was working with the agents on behalf of out of state family members of the owner who had passed away if I remember the situation correctly.