If you truly know what you want, and you understand the market well, and you've developed a network of people who know what you like to buy / rent / sell, then I don't see the value in paying anyone else for agency.

I know because we have one in our family and she's on a development site that's selling zero units.

My roof developed a leak recently and has to be done before the next rain.

Check-Online for a Reputable REO or Foreclosure Listing Service.

People who earn their living in sales or customer service develop even better skills in this area.Frankly, learning to deal with sellers who are only focused on what they need is a great way to find motivated sellers who will let you win if they get what they want.John Corey

Given the amount involved you will need higher priced property or a few mid priced properties.I know a developer that did a deal where they sold a specific floor in a commercial building.

Recent developments have increased the uncertainty surrounding the outlook for economic growth and inflation."

You put 5% down and the developer gives you 5% back at closing, plus the first 2 years of payments, and they get the option to buy it back.Here are the numbers:$269,000 lot$13,450 5% down payment$13,450 cash back at closing$47,920 cash back at closingYou then have 2 years to decide to:a) build on the lotb) sell the lot back to the developerc) sell the lot to someone elseHas anyone ever heard of this?

As usage drops, prices will drop.There are several (VIABLE) ways to decrease our usage of oil:1: drive less2. drive smarter, smaller, more efficient vehicles3. develop alternate fuels, not viable short term, maybe 20 years out4. develop new technologies, maybe, maybe not, I think once our smart brains start working on this we may see big changes5. drive smarter, YOURSELF.

you know i often wondered this myself.I think a national MLS could be an invaluable tool for a REI.it wouldnt take much to develop a nation system of this sort to be honest. getting folks to use it might though.