While nobody has a crystal ball, I think that having deep knowledge on a market and strong local relationships in that market are some of the most effective ways to attempt to predict the future of the market.

And your FRED figures take an average, but I can tell you with experience that I went from a rental property at $3,200 rental rate to $1,850, because that is all the rental market would bare at the time (there's that word again).THe idea of selling at the top is GREAT if we all had crystal balls and could predict when that would be. 

Make sure it's crystal clear what type of relationship you want.

Not looking to do a high end flip just decant and clean.

I wish I had your crystal ball to predict the market.Investors buy and sell houses in every market condition. 

If you need to, be crystal clear that you're asking all of this because you don't want to waste their time (really, you don't want them to waste your time, but it's sort of the same thing).

Make sure things are crystal clear in writing leaving nothing to interpretation with sloppy or inadequate agreements.No legal adviceGood luck 

If only we had a crystal ball 🔮

@Michael Lee Agreement with list agent before listing on MLS is crystal clear.

The property is a duplex with 6 additional lots in crystal river floridaplease and thanks!