I think an overlooked opportunity for agents is listing rentals. 

Some states have net listings for agents. 

There just isn't any way to make surveying issues sexy or interesting for those starting out, probably not a topic that commands a chapter in any other RE book other than text books for agents.

I would suggest learning those neighborhoods in and out to find the right fit before you commit.I think you're doing the right thing, looking for agents and other investors to educate yourself.  

Instead, you will learn how to be compliant with all the federal and state laws for agents.

RE investors have been using lease-options for ages without (m)any repercussions in terms of their original DOS clauses being enforced by the primary lender, so it is unlikely that this case will have much of an effect, because these clauses aren't enforced much anyway.

My question is for agents, are there other tools or specific software that you enjoy at your current brokerage?

So, you get paid normal rates for agent/property management activities.

One thing to examine and account for = age of homes.  

You can also search on Freddie and Fannie websites for agency direct lenders