A recent statistic stated that 90% of new listings are "Firework Listings."

On the other hand, direct ownership has brought the type of changes in my life where I can start considering myself financially independent. 

I should caveat this by saying that these are the macro-trends that we follow when investigating markets, but like anything else in real estate, it's a block-by-block game, especially for independent operators at our level.  

The only things I would add are make sure you see the place in person and use an independent inspector-not one from the turnkey company you are buying with.

I would get at least one quote from an independent mortgage broker.

@Daniel MendezI agree with @Theresa Harris its better to have an independent inspection to separate the buyer from the inspection.

SeanI am an independent agent in Louisville Kentucky.

. :) As well as the fact that about 80% of consumers, and 60% of Realtors, don't know how to tell the difference between a retail direct lender / banker, and an independent mortgage broker....

And I just get better pricing and quality of product from independent distributors.The long and short from my perspective is, it probably depends.

However, I did pay a small $400-$500 dollar fee to Purple Bricks (Canadian company) which is a service that gives me MLS exposure to sell independently.