He's an active STR investor and investor focused agent.  

If you have a perfect closing and first 3 months your dreaming Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I am an investor and real estate agent in Gulf Shores / Orange Beach and would be glad to help in anyway that I can. 

If it were me, I would reach out to other franchisees in your area (perhaps your Development Agent might have some insight...see...I know the Subway lingo and I've done Subways in my banking days).

He seemed like a big-time agent who works with a lot of long-term investors.

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

Not only did we lose our $10,000 in earnest money, we will now be sued by the sellers agent for their commission and our agent doesn't get squat. 

If you want to be completely anonymous, you can use a Registered Agent.

Build a strong team of local agents, property managers, and contractors, and reinvest profits to grow your portfolio.

No agents involved.