I would threaten the agent up one side and down the other with every legal action you can take since the agent is acting now as a facilitator and (i don't think they can anyway) cannot represent both you and the bank.

The agent is there to help you facilitate the transaction.  

Champions local office is more convenient for me but that's not super important, all things being equal it might tip the scale.I just satisfied requirements for Texas RE license and will use it to facilitate my investing as well as traditional agent work. 

For now we deal solely in the pre-foreclosure arena using sub2, assigning, equity partners, double-closings, and land trusts to facilitate our deals.

Yes many have jumped in and done well without such, myself included in that list, but also most if not all of those instances there was some kind of experienced advantage that facilitated that success, again myself included, I was a building professional for over a decade. 

Also included is any program or scheme where credit is extended on an installment sale to facilitate the transfer of title....land contracts and contract for deeds.

We also have had our agents list as a "facilitator" too in our state.

They are a neutral, third party facilitator.  

If you do go the HML I would definitely pay to get a broker to facilitate the process which will like cost an additional 1-3 points but will make sure it closes. 

I have gained lots of knowledge from all the great forum posts that this site facilitates.