I saved on buyer-side closing costs by representing myself.

Ultimately, however, we did not like the hard sale tactics of the Open Spaces representative.

Learn about the loan products you're trying to market to make sure you're adequately representing your client.A VA loan is assumable by anyone - not just those who qualify for a VA loan through their service.

I definitely see both sides and we are all adults.If in fact the lady had an agreement with the agent that he/she would be representing her, then he should have said that she could get more on the open market.

I would get this out to quote with multiple Independent Agents (they represent multiple carriers) and if you can determine any agents that write a lot of apartments that would help also.The type of info you should gather that will help in the quoting process:1. current coverage. 

I've purchased two properties personally utilizing seller financing and represented at least a handful of buyers acquire properties with private mortgages over the past five years including friends and family members.

The IRS considers it a loan, just like any other, that represents potential interest income to the lender (in this case, you).

I'm not sure about Houston but make sure you find a great agent who's focused in your area. call agents who list new construction or who closed land purchases and represented people. on my closed transaction list and active listings it's land on the buy side and new construction homes on the sell side. make a spreadsheet, email and call every single one, have 10-15 conversations, meet with 3, pick 1. sales funnel. 

Also people who make money by having people purchase STRs have vested interest in under representing the associated risks.  

You should have her carefully choose a brokerage, find a reliable mentor there, and let them represent you both and take a 25% referral fee back form them and then she can learn from a pro how to do it.