There are also a lot of agents who tend to get pocket listings or know before a property hits MLS. 

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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 . 

I have actually been thinkin about cutting losses honestly, I am not sure this is the best investment I could have made as my first but worried about how much of a loss I would have to take.It is meant for S8 for sure, I would have a stringent application process, and give the neighborhood a C from my research.I invested there because it was the first deal that basically fell on my lap where the mentor works with agents that Seller Finance deals, it was only $3k down and had thought the proximity to St.Louis would be attractive to tenants also.I effed up on waiting to post for rent until after all repairs and the COO for sure.  

In my experience as an agent (and long before an investor) people who are ROI driven and don't come with a passion for brick and mortar do not succeed in REI.