The agent you spoke to is probably referring to the crazy boom of the covid years where buyer's literally had zero negotiating power. 

And they have never met in person after all these years..

I know of one person in Oregon doing it, but he doesn’t want to share how it’s done.

One person booked at the normal rate instead of what we quoted and the other somehow had a pet fee attached which we still don’t understand since we do not have that as an option.  

Personally I’ve stuck with SFH to avoid tenant on tenant conflict but thsi will let you find out if “the juice is worth the squeeze: with very little risk. 1) I assume you’re getting a least a few percent off for not involving a realtor.2) I assume you feel confident with the value (maybe ask a local banker what they would lend you on the property and even lay for an appraisal.)3) this is all assuming that this is a small investment to you as I’ve described above, not most of your savings and all of your operating cushion. 

As that will at least help folks that you reach out to know that you are a real person, with a picture and professional bio.

I always recommend that anyone getting started attend in person meet ups.

Personally I have 25 units and scaling up and generally speaking it takes me about 5 hours per month to do everything.

Thanks @Johnny MartinMy suggestion is to partner with a like minded person... and preferably someone like a family member who really knows you... a dad... an uncle, etc that understands the value of passive investing.  

I have attached some pictures for reference but they are pretty gross so be warned.