If there is a possibility that they want to install their own washer and take it with them when they go that would work for me, less wear and tear on my appliances but you have to have the storage space to sideline your machine.

Speaking as an Investing Broker/Realtor® with 19 years experience, your broker is absolutely correct!  

Look for property managers that have earned Designations like:Residential Management Professional (RMP®)Master Property Manager (MPM®)This way you can see what property managers are in a certain area and get a pro.

My suggestion of substituting it with the washing machine which was not included in the sale was nixed that the seller needs it and "this is just part of short sale downsides." 

Other companies have 20'+ tall machines or products that cannot be stored unless their is enough clearance and thus cannot settle for anything less.Get to know your client's business and have a working knowledge of what they do and how they operate.

As an Investing Realtor® I do both personal investing, as well as webinars and seminars, meetups, etc. for customers as well.  

An ice machine broke on one of my refrigerators.

If you don't get a good referral I would start here:National Association of Residential Property Managers®If you get some hits call and see what they offer.If that doesn't work check Pad Mapper  for rentals in the are and call to see who is managing them and if they seem like a good fit.

As compared to many of the so called cash flow markets were liquidity only happens because of a well financed out of state marketing machine using West coast based agents... 

orGet in your "wayback machine" (tm Rocky and Bullwinkle show) and AT LEAST READ THE DOCUMENTS before you sign them!