What's changed is the bar of required professionalism has raised, significantly. 

I am new to the real estate scene and would greatly appreciate some insight on this.

I'm sure he is also very familiar with the Florida scene and could make sure you were taken care of

Any ideas what could be happening behind the scenes? 

I get your restaurant analogy, but it's wildly flawed, here is how: What your arguing is one would go out and look at a Subway, look at a McDonalds, look at a sandwich truck, look at a "Mom-Pop" Taco joint, look at a fine dining and a spot's bar and a casual fine dining AND THEN decide which to jump in based on some metric of the business.

Consequently, I have the privilege of gaining insights into the behind-the-scenes discussions that occur when individuals like "OP" walk into their office.

Very general question as I know Phoenix is a huge market, lots of differences in neighborhoods. But overall, what is the viability of purchasing a vacation rental in the Phoenix MSA? Are there certain markets with loo...

You cant find an existing home for sale for same price that doesn't need extensive work and that comes with same assurances, let alone a brand new home, furnished, with amenities such as pool, gym, taco bar, steps to ocean, shops, and the sound.

You have basic finishes like laminate counters, 30" cabinets, a coil stove a TV sitting on a bar stool and your pool doesn't have a hot tub, that alone is losing you bookings. 

You cant find an existing home for sale for same price that doesn't need extensive work and that comes with same assurances, let alone a brand new home, furnished, with amenities such as pool, gym, taco bar, steps to ocean, shops, and the sound.