I personally would prefer to do my deals with a private lender at 20% rather than a hard money lender, but you need a track record with real estate before you can attract the attention of one. 

I don't know if it's much help but as far as an agent goes, I'll be trying some out as I move houses now, and paying attention to our relationship for later choice of agent.

However it is our experience that the large majority of rent to own buyers only care about the monthly. 

Interests rates where above 5% in 2006. no crystal ball but surely there's a year or 2 to go however i suggest it wouldn't  do any harm to start watching the monthly stats a little more carefully.!   

This may sound like a lot just to get an agents attention but at lower price points they are vetting you more than you are vetting them.

I think you should raise it a little but be happy you have a tenant that loves where they are and takes care of the place.

Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

- Because that person takes care of them, does business well, etc....

Don’t know why anyone would care.

Be careful to make sure any IRA transactions done with him do not benefit you personally. .