As investors, what are the main things you look for in choosing an agent?  

The key thing is choosing the right appraiser in the location who would be willing to use the best comps vs. the first 3 they see.

Front unit alone is 6BR/3BA, & the back unit (should we choose to rent it out ) is another 4BR/3BA + loft.

Which brokerage did you choose?

If Seller fails to repair the damage or chooses not to repair the damage, Seller and Buyer shall be entitled to either: (i) deduct a mutually agreed cost of repair from the purchase price of the property; or (ii) terminate the Contract in which event any and all deposits previously delivered to Escrowee shall be returned to Buyer without offset.

Choose a font large enough to read without glasses!

I too would choose painted paneling over the drop down ceiling.

If you are turning deals you can build a large nest egg without a great deal of risk  You can also lose all of your money if you choose bad deals.

Which one would you choose, and why?

They will want to choose their own appraiser just to make sure there isn't any funny business happening.