Hi @Sequaisa Mcphearson, most people won't want to share trade secrets like this, because they are afraid their local competition will see the tricks and get more doors...But hey, I'm here to help, so here goes:-First, don't assume your market positioning is correct. 

I am okay to leave some money in the deal considering it is a competitive market with a high house price.

B) Maybe because of 'A', sellers' agents prefer them so if you're in a competitive situation, you want all the help you can get.General competence.

Also the pay is usually pretty competitive especially considering how little work you actually have to do.

My house is in-line and competitive with local comps and has quite a few updates and improvements since i've owned it.

And be sure to research your competition so you know how crowded the field is and what the standard is for your area - this is information you can't afford to overlook.

On our side, we try to book the slower months and especially the low season far in advance since there are more properties than there are guests traveling and we want to be very competitive in the low season and avoid vacancies.

Student rentals by the UAlbany campus is certainly doable, however may become more competitive with the upcoming closure of Saint Rose.

If you can find an off market deal, there is less competition and therefore it is easier to get a good deal.

However, this influx has led to a surge in home prices, making it difficult to compare our market with other cities in the U.S.I found a lender and an agent, but the competition remains fierce.