When curb appeal and maintenance is intact, you’re more than likely not only to procure a tenant with premium rent, but you’re able to RETAIN a tenant with premium rent.

I’ll spare you the discussion of “procuring cause” and “right vs wrong”, but risk vs reward is probably what you want to consider.

No clauses regarding sales If sold with lease option, Owner must pay Agent ½ option fee and ½ first month’s rent.If sold to a PM-procured tenant during or within 12 months of PMA, Owner must pay Agent 6% commission.

Then again, that's the beauty of house-hacking - it enables you to stretch your budget yet lower financial risk.

Even if you are not a Realtor, you can certainly set up a time to see the property if it's listed by a Realtor, but if you are not represented yourself by one, the listing agent can claim procuring cost should you buy said property.

It enables you to pay off your home quicker than traditional loans, but have the equity available to use for investments or emergencies as needed without having to constantly go get another home equity loan.  

I charge more because it enables me to provide better services, which puts more money in the Landlord's pocket.

@Mike Cumbie an exclusive agreement in most states would not be needed for a procuring cause argument.  

I definitely will need to overcome the hurdle of procuring financing, and intend on researching more of that on this forum.

The split is what the selling brokerage will pay out to the buyer's brokerage for procuring a buyer.