Multiple offers are now the exception, not the norm.

Make sure to utilize all the great tools BP has to offer, along with networking and joining local groups.

Officially, the buyer is the one enlisting the services of the buyer's agent and also the one compensating them (however this can be offset by the seller's offer of compensation).  

I noticed that some other brokers that I already use don't offer the option.Thanks!

What I would do is make sure you have a good long period to get a contractor in and you can pull out if gets to high.  

I am not familiar with the specifics in Irvington but highly recommend doing your research!

I've been looking at Trulia and Craigslist to make my determinations and understand there can be a big swing depending on the general quality of the apt.Any insight/advice is greatly appreciated.  

From what I can tell the fees per booking are high and they don't really cover much other than those extras if I don't like the actual combined utility of the calendar maintenance of airbnb and vrbo.  

I couldn't have predicted this nine months ago, but I'm smart enough to predict things like this will happen eventually and I plan accordingly. also highly dependent on class of asset.. where in the country it is. and tenant base your renting to.. your mileage may or will vary depending on these variables.

The other option I can think of is to take advantage of credit card offers you receive in the mail that include a few checks with a 0% finance offer for up to a year.