Thank you very much for the detailed reply @Brian Gibbons! 

Joel Owens, can you go into more details regarding " book of business"

(I'm not a member, but did listen to that particular podcast and was impressed with the detail that was included.)

The renting part is what's causing me more concern & nerves than anything.I have some more details but I don't want to go overboard - this is my first post.

Sure would be nice to have a clear cut answer to that, but there is not.There are too many variables involved, remaing term, credit, seasoning and proven payment history, collateral, loan to value, property condition and the details of the contract including the security assignement and foreclsoure process.Best to get bids, and look in your area for other investors, including those who buy RE, your best deal might well be from a local individual looking for a good investment.

Market value anywhere between 250 and 300KWe need to move due to health issues of my daughter.I'm approved for a VA loan for 250K and can find quite a bit of house around the area for that price.My dilemma is that in order to sale my current house I really need to make some improvements.

Health insurance company3.

I also found sites such as propertyshark and homeinfomax that also provide details.

I think the reason he tried to force me to sign the exclusive contract (he represents me) is to get the whole commission, which means he didn't communicate to the sellers that they can share the commission. ...So, the problem with your thinking here is that you don't know the details of the listing agreement that the seller signed with this listing agent.

It is really important to learn the jargon, the contract details, and the ins and outs of real estate transactions from someone who has experience.