It depends on how you view it.I agree with J Scott and I am sure others will disagree with me and him as well.I also believe these costs wouldn't be an issue if the are accounted for before the purchase.In other words run the worst case scenario and if that doesn't happen then you are better off than you thought.It also depends on the potential "book of business" you will be getting from the relationship.If this is a big seller who has a large portfolio of properties selling in the millions of dollars than that is different from an investor selling an occasional 50,000 flip.If I am a broker/agent playing in that range I need to make every little cent and as a broker/agent someone cutting me on every deal will be a turn off to do future business with them.I just think you will burn more bridges than you build.For everyone's information the REO companies are some of the nastiest unethical companies out there and treat brokers/agents like slaves.Everything from a 2% co-op to paying off the net to belonging to 10 organizations charging hundreds of dollars each a year to paying for computer platforms,etc.I could go on forever but many seasoned REO brokers have left that side of the business.For the investor the investment makes sense based on the return but not for the broker/agent.

My wife and I can cover the costs for this rental even if it sits empty forever with extra money each month from our jobs.

Short-sales still take forever.

Some in the family want to keep the place forever.

I cant just sit and wait on it forever!

A poorly designed renovation there can sit on the market forever, costing you FAR more than hiring a pro.

I can not figure out a way to stop the flow of water forever, or how to prevent mold form continuing to grow since it will always be wet.

Sure I could use the site forever, for free, and continue to allow it make me a lot of money but I decided to give back for no other reason than as a thank you.

I try to take all things into consideration, but I think what has really held me back is not wanting my first deal to steer me away from RE for ever.

If you are looking at a market and it costs you $150-$200 for a report like this, which you can use forever, it's probably worthwhile to pay for it.