Be professional, friendly, but firm.

Lastly, if you follow markets the ability of a firm to basically play both sides of the coin does not always end well. 

This will give options to the agents in the firm as well as the sellers.

Richard Chan I wish when I started that I would have truly grasped the idea/fact that real estate is a business that is built over the long haul!

I spent the last year doing appraisal work for a tax firm in San Francisco.  

Does any one know of any large property management firms?

I worked in law firms for 1/4-century, where I was the real estate specialist, and this happens more frequently than not. 

If they call to ask about a light bulb that burned out in the ceiling fan or the air filter in the HVAC, how well can you politely but firmly remind them that it's their responsibility.

In my view, this demonstrates that they take their obligations and due-diligence very seriously and that such good-business practices most likely extend to all corners of their operations.Don't forget people that these RECF firms essentially serve as de-facto custodians of your hard-earned investment and (in some cases)  retirement funds.  

Prefer a smaller firm where I can deal with the same person instead of multiple partners, and get closings scheduled fast.Thanks for any suggestions!