Context: I'm an investor-friendly real estate agent in Minneapolis/St.

As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!

Be careful asking questions as well meaning contact your actual agent if you have one rather than a claims center because the actual insurance company could record things as a loss even if they aren't paying a claim.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.

Development is risky even for the very experienced. 

Investors, bankers, agents, newbies and pros are all invited to join. 

Reactions to your points - would love your feedback given you are clearly very experienced in this. 1.

Even if you don't have an agent, you can go to Open Houses when they have them on more investor properties and get your feet wet off the computer and in the real world.

If a seller had a listed property, they GENERALLY are paying for the commission of their realtor and the buyers agent commission (if the buyer was represented as well).