They get the Seller and Buyer commission if they list it AND bring a buyer to the table. 

What are you expected to bring to the table here? 

Most will require some skin in the game - bring capital to the table, not only the deal.

A for effort though.FHA mortgages are typically 3.50% down, and if you refinance to conventional (I'm giving you hypothetical possibility than it CAN happen), you would probably need to bring 10+% equity to the table, which is the same as needing cash for a down payment. 

I always lead with, "So tell me a little bit about the property." and just see what info they will put on the table.

Honesty and communication have proven to give me a much smoother route to the closing table.

We've let it sit for another month and just reconnected again, reminding them that our offer is "still on the table" and we are willing to purchase. 

I'm assuming you have something of a game room with an arcade and pool table. 

If you are looking into wholesale, I would encourage you to have an agent that you have an agreement with to run comps on properties for a fee but it is not necessary for to have representation when coming to the closing table.

I have a lot of major tools like lathe, bandsaw, table saw etc.