None of them will lose their jobs, in fact they're all getting fat raises.

I don't like to chew on the fat or beat around the bush, so ...Do you think it is wrong when; There is a house for sale listed with a agent/(broker etc..) and you go up knock on that individuals' door, and one way or another tell them ( and this can be in any number of ways, such as - Dont bother listing it with them/ Take it off the listing/ Save your 3-6% with me etc) and pretty much under cut the agent/broker and deal directly with the owner?

If this deal doesn't work out, I have a few more on the back burner. 

I also put a gate with heavy chain and big, fat padlock.

Depending on floor vs flange height, you may need a fat wax ring, or even two.

I purchase whatever brand they have with the sealed burners and without all the buttons and do-dads for about $500.

Sometimes a potential renter will want to test a gas range to make sure all the burners come on.I used to be hesitant about leaving the water on because one house I was interested in purchasing had this on and two days before closing I stopped by only to learn the bathroom was flooded because the water connection to the toilet had loosened. 

I do know that stove burner coming on by itself could prove to be very hazardous.

I asked what had been done to try to collect the rent and the answer was 'big, fat nothing'.

I know I can plan for a roof or an oil burner and such items within a fairly predictable time range, but I am putting away “X” amount of dollars for those things each month already.