If the seller counters at $122,500 the agent cannot tell the seller that you won't accept or that he thinks the counter should be $120,000 because he knows you will pay that much.Some deals could be a walk in the park and others could get very heated depending on how trustworthy the agent is.The way I see it, it doesn't cost you anything to have an agent as a buyer since the seller pays the commission.

In this business, it's hard to find trustworthy, ethical, and detail-oriented people.

There are plenty of trustworthy knowledgeable people to help you.

I'm clear on how difficult it is to find trustworthy people whether investors or others.

Engage in conversations with agents and try to get a feel for whether they're trustworthy or not.

Then check with those organizations to see if they are trust worthy.

If you make a mistake because you jumped too quickly, you could wreck your credit and set yourself back ten years.And until you're ready, save every dollar you can so that when it's time to jump, you're dealing from a position of strength, not weakness.There are exceptions, like finding trustworthy partners or getting lucky with a deal; it can happen, keep your eyes open.

Your credit rating is a measure of financial trustworthiness.

I did all the searching for the homes on-line, called him for the lockbox codes ( yes that's not completely Kosher , but he new I am totally trustworthy) and he simply meets me at his office for the paperwork and potential closing.All in all, build a close honest relationship with one or two REO realtors (or just realtors in general ) and you'll do well.Good luck!!

The longer the seller has owned it, the more equity and stability he or she should have built up in it.ConclusionWhile rent-to-own arrangements can have many potential pitfalls, they can be a win-win situation between a trustworthy seller and a prudent, financially responsible buyer.