Local markets are still hot, so I'd like to get in sooner than later and capitalize on the fast equity build for longer term strategies.I'll look into the options you've noted and seek out a smaller, more flexible S&L/Broker and try to start building a relationship there.

Apartments are hot right now.

It's dry and hot so there are few overgrown weeds and has little landscaping.  

The same with furnaces, hot water heaters, etc.

I'm currently an owner in a small condominium (13 units) in an area that's been rather "hot" for investing.

Thing like the hot water heater are common equipment and therefore any replacement expenses come from HOA. 

Lowell has quite a few but that's turning into a hot market.

Add in a very HOT multi-family market and you might find yourself with an asset that nobody else wanted (for the right reasons).  

As for MLS listings, I've been writing a lot more offers realizing that only a fraction will work out.What have you done to succeed in obtaining properties in crazy hot markets?

Agents are hired to represent buyers or sellers, and no matter on whose size I am, that is the client that will do the absolute best deal, or in a hot market like Chicago right now - will get the deal in multiple bids.In the fsbo cases, I had every seller that thought they saved a commission by listing in mls on their own take a lot less than if you had an agent.Regarding Redfin, I have my own opinion based on my experience with their agents and with clients that bought or sold with me after meeting them, however I can't express my thoughts here as is illegal for me to comment on a different brokerage.Please understand that the experience a broker that sold hundreds of properties, negotiated with all kind of personalities and saw all kind of situations - brings at the table a lot more than writing an offer.