Even if the worst predictions become a reality, hot and coastal areas are still going to be nicer places to live than the Midwest. 

What’s your worst networking horror story?

Otherwise you will dream up the worst scenarios.  

Price per square foot metric is one of the WORST metrics ever.Using that logic, two homes next to each other that are 3,000 square feet each should be the same value, right?

@Billy Knox Maybe my mind is wired a bit different but I got the sense you were looking for information based replies vs the avalanche of opinion and emotion based replies I am seeing here. - The first and largest reason in volume for utilizing an agent is the simple obvious which is most people can-not navigate the process.

Your reviews, especially when starting, are everything, and the worst reviews come from bad cleanings and things not disclosed in the listing that should be.You are making the right moves with a designer as long as they have experience in your particular area. 

Hero is the worst!

This may be the worst case of being pennywise and pound foolish.

I analyze my comps and the worst properties appear on page one.  

So worst case, you gain free knowledge and experience, and I just lose some time.