All of that may give you a better insight to the company and culture.Good luck and best wishes.  2024 is going to be a tough year, but plenty of opportunity to be successful.   

Each company has different guide lines.

Is your plan to self manage or use a property management company for the future?

The tech industry, a significant employment driver, continues to see growth, attracting both established companies and startups.

Hi Karen, when you find a buyer and have both signed the sales agreement, you will then open escrow with a title company.

@Randall E Collins One way around the assignment is merely draft an amendment to the original contract with the agent stating "Buyer and Seller agree that XYZ (your end buyer) is the buyer" (or word it how you all agree) BUT have an email with the end buyer and the closing company stating what your fee is first to secure your fee. 

If it isn't put your request in writing.Not all PM companies pad their maintenance - we do not. 

I was involved in a business opportunity a few years ago where one of the partners misappropriated company funds.

Pennymac is a big enough company that you should be okay.

Again, you absolutely need a good agent, a good lender, a rockstar property management company.