Scott I believe is a great start as well for it helped me understand the key components and basics of house flipping.

Transparency and having a seamless and established system of contracting and closing are key to making the agent feel comfortable working with you.

For example, you set up key word alerts. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

Recently, I have made several offers and I have had sellers electing to walk away from the deal, if I would not agree to use "their" title company.Obviously,  I am missing something here; but, what is clear to me, 'one who controls the keys, controls the castle'.

However education is key, and you need to study and educate yourself to know junk from gold.Josh

For example, you set up key word alerts. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

It's like getting the keys to the kingdom.

Due diligence is key, and understanding what something costs and how long it takes is key.

By no means am I expert at this yet, but reading is the key to gaining knowledge in this industry.  

Argue all you want, but this is real world.So, beyond state laws and local rules of court, you rad buying the influence that I local an attorney has with local judges and commissioners (even their staff).