Plus, how did/does the eviction moratorium effect LLs here?  

How important is it to get all these done within 45 days so as not to negatively effect my credit score?

Advice like cash for keys is laughable and hasn't been practiced effectively in NJ for years because the renters know that the state is very tenant-friendly and will request 15-30k for cash for keys when it used to be like 2-4k.

It is effecting my working capital for other projects.  

And how you started smoking the first one before you even got out the door As the tenant squeezes onion juice into their eyes for special effects before the judge and mouth wide open reporters.

I am planning to buy 2 new properties soon and am debating whether to call the listing agent or select my own agent to represent me.

Window units are the most cost effective

Knowing your price point based upon pre-qualification and estimates from a lender makes this process much more efficient and effective.  

I'd assume you would need to put in a decent amount of effort to build out a local team (which is fine, but can be hard to understand where to start), and also have some experience within that market to be able to operate effectively. 

Typically, can you influence the appraisal by coming to the table with selected comps of your own, or is that something that you're stuck with whatever loan provider you're getting the refi from?