The strong industries that built the region are not coming back, at least not soon, leading to way too much housing compared to the amount of people wanting to live here. 

I would agree that it is "normal" to have that cushion and buffer - but yes, errors and mistakes are endemic in the servicing industry unfortunately

If you're looking to sell as-as and a quick sale, just be prepared to get less than it's retail value. 

I have been working in the healthcare industry for over a decade now and I am a firm believer in customer service and treating people how I would want to be treated. 

Agree with @JD Martin, off market investor groups are likely going to offer you less than retail even if you pay a commission, if they even have the money to begin with. 

There are also REIA groups in nearly all major metros.Conferences: The Biggerpockets conference and/or the Best Ever Conference are two good ones that will let you meet investors of all shapes and sizes, from syndicators to LPs to direct owners in nearly all asset classes, from SFRs to Airbnbs to apartments and retail, industrial, RV parks, etc.

If they were truly “good” they’d reduce their entire fee structure which is among the highest in the industry.

RE will keep appreciating so if your buying retail it takes a little longer but will get there. 

Ultimately I support whatever he decides, but we aren’t in the real estate industry most of the time.

Although all of the Los Angeles metropolitan area's twenty-one office submarkets contributed to the metro's recent rent growth, it is worth noting that the 0.8% asking rent growth rate of the past 12 months compares unfavorably to the metro's long term performance.Competitive Inventory, Employment, AbsorptionTotal employment in the Los Angeles metropolitan area increased by 14,200 jobs during the first quarter, representing a growth rate of 0.3%, while in the dominant office-using industries, employment grew by 4,600.