@Michael James Hamlin I'm a former tax accountant/business consultant turned fix n flipper and investor friendly agent. 

I’ve built strong relationships with local agents and other investors in the Hamptons, which helped me discover this off-market property.

Have your notified your insurance agent/company that you are no longer living in the property and that it's under renovation?

i work with agents, PMs, deal finders, lender, etc. all the time.  

I have spoken with a couple real estate agents and they are scared to let me have the agreement thinking they are breaking some kind of code of ethics letting me have it.

Investors who are active in gathering data on local trends while working with knowledgeable agents are able to pick neighbourhoods poised for growth and also comprehend how to best mitigate their risks as they prepare to maximize their return.Myth 3: Distressed Properties Are in Bad LocationsAnother misconception is that distressed properties only exist in bad neighborhoods.

I am looking to grow my buy and hold rental portfolio and would love to network with other investors/agents/wholesalers etc.

Even with that, I think we will still be way ahead. 2 bed, 1 bath, 1200sq/ft, detached 1 car garagePurchase Price: $38,000Repairs: $20,000ARV: $96,000 (based off Zillow, but a local real estate agent thought that was pretty accurate)Mortgage: $430Insurance: $55Trash Included: $25Rent: $1,000We are now going through applications for our first tenant. 

You will need to vet out a few agents or you can work with reputable wholesalers.

Real estate agents and agencies will always tell a client to buy, and it's always a good time.