I figured I'd be able to learn about the nuts and bolts of what makes up my future investments.

@Russell Brazil makes a good point about some markets having association rules on variable rate commissions - a good reminder that investors should try to learn the specific rules/practices in their market. 

There one will find stuff like rentability scores, rents, tenant and vacancy durations, PM scores, basically the insider nuts and bolts for that exact address historically.

@Russell Brazil  as expeinced agents and sellers will tell you @Yadira Gutierrez  your first offers are 95% your strongest... in a hot market if the house sits for 30 to 60 days people will think there is something wrong or over priced. work with the best offer and sell it and close it.

@Russell Brazil Thank you.

@Ned Carey & @Russell Brazil - Thank you, both!  

@Russell Brazil the property is located in North Quincy, MA (Zipcode- 02171)

As @Russell Brazil mentioned, this is especially helpful with houses that need work.

Again, this is the basic nuts and bolts on how this is done.

@Natasha Wade The buyer/broker agreement in NC works the way @Russell Brazil described it too.