If you go down that path, spend some money to have an agent or lawyer review the paperwork to make sure everything is in line.Another option to consider is to drive through the neighborhoods you want to live in and scout out properties you would be interested in.

The irony with this one is that this woman lived locally; this was not a case as above where someone was moving from across the country. 

These are in the path of development and growth usually and might have a tenant base that commutes to the larger metro area. 

If their buyers agent has done only a few deals it's really no different than working with someone unrepresented anyway because at least in PA the licensing classes teach you nothing about actual real estate practice.  

Ask them for clarification.Thank you for your service to the country!

In some cases scammers will steal ads where a house is for sale and repost it as a rental.I once had a young military couple moving from across the country. 

Regarding appliances, I had to personally drive 5 hours to get the refrigerator my wife wanted, and our range only made it thank to my wife's social media presence and one of her followers from across the country helping us by ordering it (it was only available for local delivery) and repackaging it for Fedex freight across the US.  

However, I will say that investing in these types of properties would be 100x better if I lived in the area and not across the country.

Potential path of progress location down the line.

All based out of Abilene, TXInspection - David Biggs - Biggs InspectionsLending - Lisa Boyce - City BankTitle Company - Heidi Heslep - Big Country Title