In the meantime we need to come up with a commitment letter in 30 days.

@Robb Almy I love that you are committed to the educational part of real estate investing.  

We had already committed to replacing a partially fogged double pane window, adding carpeting in the den, and a few other things. 

My name is Taylor and I reside in Hermosa Beach, California.I just got out of the beer business and decided I wanted to fully commit to pursuing a career in real estate.

I make sure I know when they are supposed to have appraisal and title done and then stay on top of contract date which usually has the rest of deposit and loan commitment date.

It's as quickly as one trip to any bank, or email to any lander, sometimes they do it on the spot, especially if that is the bank where your checking or savings accounts are.That will not make you committed to get mortgage grom them. 

I think what you are looking for is someone trained in the ways of real estate investing - an agent that will:Introduce you to FSBO's - Expired Listings and other real estate opportunitiesWill be your fiduciary representativeWill make offers for you on suitable real estateWho understands creative financing; delayed settlement, seller assisted financing, assignment, wholesaling, REO, tenant selection, soft money mortgages, tax salesWho will be responsive to your financial goals and a person of integrity and trustHelp with direct mail and street marketing to locate transactionsHousing and rent court marketingAbsolute aware of financial and contract clauses as well as contract engineeringCan assist in - delayed settlement - automatic extension, performance mortgages, subordination, principal mortgages, options and joint venturesAware of bidding on REO, forclosures, tax sales and public auctionsUp to speed on commercial real estate, lots and land as well as businesses with real estateHow should you treat this wonderful person (if you can find one) -They should have a commitment from in the form of a Fiduciary Buyers Brokers AgreementYour agreement to pay them a commission on any non-listed deals they bring youA bonus agreement for great deals that you closeA gas budget - or a cash payment for gas Kind words and respectTo be sincere and active with the agentRespect from youFirst class training on how to represent youSometimes an equity interest in the great deals the agent has initiatedListings when you are ready to sellYour cooperation - all your financials, tax returns and other information that will help your agent close dealsA few free lunches ----Good luck --- Charles

You have to write up your agreement and follow through.If you feel you don't need their expertise on the local market, hire GM and be done.As an agent, she will get her commission anyway - no commitment on that.I'm very curious to know how did it go

I've committed to something. 

There are MANY things that you can do with grass roots efforts, that will pay off for you if you commit to them.Are your title companies there agent friendly?