I have chosen to go with a local agent who was able to put together a decent package for me.  

Oh Boy, I was lucky to be among a few chosen ones.

(Our floors and fixtures were already chosen and installed based on the Sierra Quartz)We also confirmed the sink sizes that would be installed on this date in both kitchens.6/19/17 - Countertops no showed, no call to contractor6/20/17 - Countertops installed, but wrong size sink was installed in both kitchens.

They could have chosen to hold it as joint tenants or tenants in common (or in some states tenants in the entirety or community property).Basically, if the attorney didn't see the deed, none of what he said makes sense.

All things being equal, your offer will likely be chosen if you come in with cash and competing offers have mortgage contingencies.Note: Don’t expect sellers to necessarily take less of a net profit from your cash offer.

For the projects you're competing with other enterprising investors with skills in the type of asset you've chosen to specialize in.  

I'm trying to strike the right balance of someone not wasting time but also not overcharging for an application -> if I charge $25 for the application and TUSH charges $40 for the background screening, i could see an applicant shying away from that kind of entry "fee" or being genuinely upset if they aren't chosen from the get-go.

Check out Terriol Pore (Perfect Image Painting).

Other small piece to keep in mind, search out assignments that are well paying with higher hourly and small stipends (this clearly depends on locations chosen but have your recruiter send breakdowns of options and this is a variable to keep in mind). 

Happy to clarify any points you would like.Hopefully these links will add some perspective about the various reasons investors have chosen to go this route.https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/ZacharyCole/referenceshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/518583-feedback-on-renttoretirement-and-zach-lemasterhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/765347-rent-to-retirement-reviewhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/850/topics/895660-my-first-investment-property-an-out-of-state-dealhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/...https://www.biggerpockets.com/co/RentToRetirementhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/929410-rent-to-retirement-updates?