I should hear the realtor out (as an early step); I just would like to be a bit more researched before I engage.

For all of the reasons discussed above, executing a real estate deal via text isn't the most strategic move in every engagement, but yes it is possible to form a legal agreement over that medium.

@Cynthia HarrisonIt's advisable to direct specific questions to a professional you've engaged who can have the deep conversation with you regarding facts, circumstances and goals."

@Cara KennedyIt might be helpful to do some thinking about how properties get 'on the market' or ready to buy.A lot of wholesalers end up getting the property under contract, before engaging sellers. 

As such, in a perfect world I will grow my (active income) portfolio to the point that I can 1031 into NNN properties that throw off enough cash to allow me to live the lifestyle I want and only be engaged in the work that I want.

I highly recommend that you engage the services of a Mortgage Loan Originator that is licensed in the state that the property is located. 

If you do engage, emphasize they didn't do anything wrong, it's just that they don't meet your criteria.

Devices will never replace the impact of in-person engagement.

Your RE investment advisor can't offer objective insurance advice, nor can your your attorney counsel you on accounting matters.Instead, I'd recommend you begin assembling a small team of best-in-class professionals with expertise in a single discipline and a willingness to engage with you and other members of the team.

I think one of the easier ones is to engage an agent and get an understanding of how a comparative market analysis ("CMA") works.