Not sure it matters in this case, because it sounds like your gains will be minimal, if any.  

Minimal contribution, misunderstandings of the mechanics and insufficient experience and lack of funds.  

I recently heard of these 2 types of transactions and happened to speak with someone indicating they are interested in a leasing some property and wasnt really sure if a possible deal could be structured based on the above methods.

The 3-flat didn't work out--waaaaaay more work than the pics indicated but I've found a SF that's just as interesting.

As Greg H. says its not really a counter, just an indication of what they would accept if they don't get a higher offer. 

Well it is an indication of a bad investment via over leveraging or in your case a poor return on equity.

If you go the direct route, you should indicate clearly the order of recording for each unrecorded assignment you send them. 

Do you believe that we should do a minimum number of written offers each week even if there is no indication from having a phone conversation with the agent that the written offer will be accepted and, also taking into account that I would have to go and visit these five properties in order to have credibility with the agent who is selling the property so that he/she will present my written offer in a serious manner. 

If after our conversation they still indicate that they are unable or unwilling to pursue those rights.

After the house was built, a Realtor that lived at the beginning of the develop stopped pass one evening and indicated that he represented a client that want to purchase the home.