You need to understand that agents have to deal with a LOT of tire kickers so if you don't have an existing relationship with them, you most likely will not be their top priority.

I might be able to find a good general contractor down there through my relationships now. 

@Jon Holdman gave excellent advice - stay out of it unless the trouble moves inside your units.

The amount of interest you pay will not change unless you refinance the loan or pay it off early.There are amortization calculators out there and also tools in Excel that will show you how much you're paying down based on the time frame.

Automate your business as much as possible - use voice mail for seller leads/tenant issues, create good Statement of Works for your contractors, move majority of relationships with insurance agents, contractors, etc to email first communication.4.

Chris,I know you don't want to go to Pittsburgh, but there is an excellent real estate investor lawyer named Brad Dornish, he has rental properties as well, is extremely knowledgeable and reasonably priced.

Off hand, I'd think it's probably putting you or the finders in an illegal position acting without a license, but can't say as I don't know what the relationship is.

Securing those local bank relationships was a major victory.Based on that previous experience I tried something different this time around.

By the way @Phil Glantz , excellent and informative post.

I've established some relationships with real estate agents as well as wholesaler's in the Valley, but I'm interested in hearing both sides of the argument (i.e. folks who have used a real estate agent and those who have not).As a bit of background - This will be my first property that I purchase and expect to finance it using an FHA loan (3.5% down, leaving a cushion in my bank account for any unforeseen expenses).