Generally, applying any monies received to fees first leaves the deficit as "rent".

Are you focusing on adding them in the general PHX area? 

That way you have them in your back pocket when you find the right one, and generally lenders can move a little faster to close the deal once you're already pre-approved and in their system. 

I'm a General Contractor and may be able to help.

Your background as an electrician and experience in general contracting and project management will be incredibly valuable in the real estate world.

Almost every realtor has several investors ready to invest at least $2 million in cash.If you’re planning to use hard money loans, agents won’t show properties without prior proof of funds.I’m curious, is this a general market trend in Ohio or just this particular realtor’s approach?

Honestly, I think this might be more symptomatic of larger issues in the real estate world in general.

There's no real wrong answer to your question, but the right answer starts with you figuring out what general direction you want to aim in. 

However, there isn't a standard form like a NAR lease agreement; it just needs to provide some general information.

I’d try my best to be outside the beltway in Baltimore county, generally the nicer areas, I tend to especially like Towson, lutherville, even parkville is a good value.