You want to work with someone who is part of a professional association as this is a signal that they are interested in building and following best practices.

Not sure if it'd be of interest to you, but a buddy and I built software that helps RE pros find and close more off-market properties through real-time, custom intent signals like probates, pre-foreclosures, code violations, and eviction notices.

So in summary, this is just a signal that STR has "normalized" as an investment strategy/asset.

They are supposed to act as signals, of sorts.

So, now....around the corner is June 12th the conversion to this new digital signal, and the puppetmasters are so concerned about dissemnating information to their human resources that they are willing to give convertor boxes away FREE.

I don't want to seem "greedy" but heck, they are bringing the signal into the building anyway... and everything in this life is negotiable, right?  

If you didn't do that, then you signaled to the tenant, the seller, and anyone you ask for advice (indirectly, me), that the shed is not a major concern. 

Upon submitting an offer, we were told that the sale is going to go through a relocation company and we have to redo the offer and sign all sorts of binders.  

I will sign all paperwork before closing and let the sellers know that a business partner of mine will be at closing.

Maybe I'm missing something but wouldn't that be a clear signal to the listing agent that as the potential buyer I am trying to go around my own agent or worse, "anxious" to see if things are happening.....which in turn could hurt my position because it makes it appear that I really want the property?