We once got a really nice custom storm door from the bargain section for a steal. 

I am with Rodeo so I have access to pocket listings in luxury segment too.I know it's challenging to find an Agent who knows what to look for for an investor client  - not exactly your "next home with stainless steal appliances and granite countertops":-).

There is no sharing, for fear of someone stealing the deal.

Not sure how expensive this approach would be and whether people have success in attempting this.I'm not trying to "steal" this property, but if the guy is dead or can't be found... ???

Three investors who all have $100k cash come to a town with 3 identical streets that each have 10 identical duplexes for $100k each.

It looked identical to me.  

On the pro side, it can hide your identity and adds a layer of difficulty.

So don't waste their time....don't steal their sale..... that I get.....But I don't see any ethical issues with having multiple agents know that I'm in the market to buy and what I'm looking for and keep me posted when properties come up.....if that offends you that other agents know that I'm looking, then that's on you....find me the deals and you get the sale...simple enough.....Now the agents can flame on me ......

also you probably bought low end type properties were this type of thing is far more common than you really can imagine.. it was determined by one of my vendors years ago that most of the theft was done by workers of the contractors themselves.. they deliver the goods know exactly what is there come back that night and steal them.Most folks in these type of neighborhoods only install water heaters  HVAC condenser utls literally the day the tenant is moving in.. and if its before that they hire security or someone to sleep in the unit the night before.. welcome to the reality of those areas.

If you have access to the BP forms, then I'd compare and contrast to make sure they are virtually identical from a terms perspective.