Real estate agents here are more foreigner shy compared to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, but well worth the challenge for the higher returns achievable.More than happy to talk shop if you want some advice, this is what we do daily for our overseas clients - same goes for you, @Dan Baker, please do not hesitate to ask away, here or via telephone/Skype. 

The shopping district of South Troy is starting to turn out very nice and beautiful.

We all love a little shopping so get out there and see what deals are around the corner.

In Homestead nearby a large shopping center, a vacant bank building had a barbershop in the basement.

It's very informal, with a bunch of people sitting around talking shop over food and drinks beginning at 6:00 and lasting till 8:30 or until they close the place at 10:00. : ) Lately there have been about 30-35 people at the last few meetings, and a large percentage of them have come as a result of networking here on BP. 

I would very much like the number of the thrift shop owner.

@David Krulac - Nice post - as I mentioned above  - the 1% brokerage shops never survive here because the process is incredibly time consuming and complicated.  

And PM if you would like to grab some coffee on Congress perhaps (if that's not the name of a coffee shop here, it should be).    

Any recommendations on a particular person to work with, keep shopping around, or just stick with the guy my buying agent recommended? 

I understand I would shop around for a few plumbers and not pick the first one I called but I just feel like all they are going to say is call us when you actually have a property that needs work.