There is a lot of competition in this market so you need to be sure attend networking events, build your team and reach out to potential home sellers.  

That said, it has become an extremely competitive market.  

A broker who does as you described would get a pretty bad rep pretty quickly.If Cam's statement is true she did not make an offer in writing then she can just get her own broker who will right the deal the seller pays the commissions normally. although in ultra hot markets that may not be the case but I suspect things are not that hot in AL  I do a lot of business in AL  and yes there is competition from hedge funds for cash flow homes in some markets but anyone can buy a home especially if its MLS listed its not like this is San Francisco were you get 20 offers on a listing and its an all out bidding war.

Good luck in the competition : )

. , to directly answer your question, have you looked at what your competition provides?  

You might be able to find a deal in the Everett area from time to time but there will also be a lot of competition for it.Anyway welcome and there is probably more information on this site than you could use in a lifetime.

They recommend an 18 month lease so that the renewal will happen in the summer, which is a more competitive time for tenants.

The important thing is to know what your local market is, and what the competition is offering. 

I've had people try a few times but I won't negotiate because I try to stay competitive anyway.

If other people want to be scared away by that...perfect...less competition!