There are good reasons to have a local agent working for you though, they might bring you deals you missed or where otherwise unaware of they also ideally can function to double check everything to make sure everything is handled correctly and finally the very best agents also have great relationships with vendors and can help you through the whole process. 

I understand relationships in real estate are very important. 

Protect your relationship. 

Establish a relationship with them and learn what really excites them the most.

@Tony Crabtree also, I have a great relationship with a title company in town.

tenant notification depends on your relationship with them.

The article doesn't talk about the details of the cost of customized container home, but since I have a direct relationship with the container manufacturing company in Vietnam which has done a lot of this type of project, I know the number is low and make a lot of sense. 

Historically there's been preditory sellers typically in the Northern cities buying up old wrecks selling on contract for deed and work for equity. 

Especially now at the beginning of the relationship, you need to be straightforward about this.

Here an interesting quote from that case:“Our historical position that rental of one property constitutes a trade or business establishes a general not an absolute rule.”Well, now, that’s interesting.