In one development of 88 houses, I was the only rental and one neighbor expressed concern to me that I was changing the neighborhood into an inferior rental neighborhood!

Agents are hired to represent buyers or sellers, and no matter on whose size I am, that is the client that will do the absolute best deal, or in a hot market like Chicago right now - will get the deal in multiple bids.In the fsbo cases, I had every seller that thought they saved a commission by listing in mls on their own take a lot less than if you had an agent.Regarding Redfin, I have my own opinion based on my experience with their agents and with clients that bought or sold with me after meeting them, however I can't express my thoughts here as is illegal for me to comment on a different brokerage.Please understand that the experience a broker that sold hundreds of properties, negotiated with all kind of personalities and saw all kind of situations - brings at the table a lot more than writing an offer.  

@jake bobeck I like the way you express that.

All of your expressed benefits can be achieved WITH security, so why invest unsecured!

I am thinking of approaching these people by knocking on their door (or leaving a note) expressing my interest in giving them cash for their homes.

One of them responded with an expression of a lot of gratitude.

I look forward to being a part of this community and would like to express that much of the early success I have had has been directly impacted by all of you on this forum who share information.

You can then try and contact that person and express your interest in the property.It's not easy getting to the decision-maker, i.e. the Managing Member or General Partner, but if you do, I'd suggest you simply introduce yourself on the first call, let them know you'd be interested in purchasing the property and try and learn as much as you can about the owner.

Check Real Estate Express or Kaplan.

I have American express and chase have been the best for me with the points and no service is like american express.