Having said that, I recommend testing the agent to make sure they do what they say they will do. 

Whatever you buy, make sure you do a good test and check that it won't get scratched up and look like *&@#$# in 2 years.

Hello, My name is London Robinson and I just recently graduated from high school in May of 2016 and I have just completed my real estate education courses and I'm currently preparing for my state test. 

Put an clause in the contract that lets you back out if there is an unsatisfactory environmental study, then hire a engineer to do a "Phase 1", that will tell you what you need to do more tests for.

I always put up test ads in craigslist.org offer a similar deal, no address or pictures, to test if there are buyers out there before I get into a new area, price range or property type.

Test their limits, what do you have to lose...

Really like your litmus test.

well my response was intended to help you identify your own pathway..I would test the markets you are interested in first and then find your own pathwayfocus on the things you are good at and delegate the rest.

We got our customer service department at our title company to build and maintain our list.. then my secretary would monitor the trustee services .. although Oregon went to Judicial and with sales every day instead of only on Friday like WA its pretty intense to follow all sales like we did in 5 counties.

I did "test" him on a number of issues and he has come through for me so he has earned my trust to keep purchasing properties with him.