As the conversation progresses you will be able to tell if the agent truly has insight and knowledge or if they sell snake oil.  

There are strong path-of-progress areas, but you need to know the nuances.

Unfortunately looking like this specific deal likely won't pan out; seller is definitely not motivated to offload quickly/discounted based on their replies.I found a realtor through BP who I'm now working with to find a property, so progress in the right direction!

My personal preference for a buy and hold would be an already established area (or an area that's still gentrifying, but has already seen significant progress). 

Pre approval is in progress, and looks favorable.   

VERY cool strategy and progression story.

Resist the temptation of a cheap property/market.It's also going to feel like you are not making any progress in the first year or two.

Excited to see your progress!

You can make it work with an agency, but you'll need processes for auditing their progress.

On the better advice, you demonstrate that you are trying something, the progress you've made, and where you got stuck.