So how do I figure out which ones will have a higher probability of going to a 3rd party bidder so as not to waste a bunch of time?

So, I guess what I should be asking at this point is how to structure a deal with a realtor where I am able to search on my own for homes, so they don't need to waste their time, and once I find a property have them submit offers for me. 

We don't have wasted time at useless meetings.  

Questions #3 - Is there any do or don't advice you could inform me of that would better help me educate myself on how to go about this without wasting time and money on areas that may not be beneficial or helpful?

@Chase LondonHe might want to know you have the means to buy the property so that he is not wasting his time with you and/or quite possibly he was asked for POF.

The walls are original brick, with some water proofing material painted over the lower half.  

If so, perhaps a freestanding unit (like an IKEA) would suffice - especially if attached to the wall.

i dont want to annoy them but i want to work with people who are more timeline oriented and like fast turnover rates. we get in do the job great and dont waste time. 

So all the sudden they need to sell fast, guess who is going to get the phone call.Second point: scrub your list - make sure you don't waste money on mailing people who will not sell.

Our PM suggested maybe adding a railing to the other wall, so there would be railing on both sides.Any ideas here?