Who is going to be in charge at the state and local level and how do they compare to competitor markets.

No.. the internet will show your competitors that DO have a website and you have then done a LOT of work ... to hand over that precious lead to your competitors..I know because I am that competitor in my market.I tell people to get a website yet they are too stubborn to listen to me.

Yes, it's common...there are a lot of tire kickers - not to mention competitors who are seeking this information. 

Or, I could swipe it out from under him.

This means that when you're buying a short sale, they are valuing it against your competitors sales.

Many will also handle the application process.2) Industry standard the way you are doing it.3) Word-of-Mouth from other agents4) Upwork is best5) Google competitors, many have their PMAs on their website.

This goes for the competitors you're going up against and other co-hosts in the area.

Or that they are way more expensive than their competitors. 

For example, as most Pm's do I will Secret Santa shop around my market to see what competitors pricing and value propositions are.

Are they about to be put out of business by a new giant competitor?