Additionally, I'm interested in understanding typical STR fees to help estimate cash flow.If anyone is willing to share their experiences or offer advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

As the market changes, I'll have to adjust my offer accordingly.

Offered $20k over asking within a week of it coming online.

Both things are happening.Buyer agent commission is still negotiated up front with sellers although there is the option not to compensate a buyer's agent - aka have the buyer pay their agent.We also tell buyer's agents to include their commission in the offer.

These areas offer a mix of renovated bungalows, new construction, and industrial conversions, with increased demand from young professionals.

Some HIs will walk the property with you for a steep discount and tell you what they see to inform your offer.

I made an offer on a double, it turns out that it's on two parcels with two separate tax cards but deeded together. 

We are negotiating for a mobile home, he listed it at 40k, but when we offered that, he then negotiates for 42k.

It offers a learning curve that prepares you for your own property investments and builds a brand that people trust.

Quote from @Stephen Hood: I have a property that I want to move into and  purchase but am running into a challenge with the offer being contingent on selling our current property.