That is our REI buffer and isn't discussed enough IMO.I did well with lower priced singles, but this was when prices were lower up to 2018 ish and I bought with seller-financing or cash. 

On a house I was an agent for the seller, he was the contractor for the investor.  

I got into this niche due to the low entry cost and the potential for great returns in a short period of time.

The MLO could potentially offer seller concessions to help the buyer as well but it cannot be stated the buyer MUST use the seller’s firm for lending. 

I find my deals off-market and do some cosmetic updates.In short, it's not for everyone and many will fail trying to run this playbook from out of state (or even locally).There are still areas and markets that work, you just need to be more creative or willing to put more work in than you did in the past.

(Neither was the seller/lender.)

Direct to seller.

Short answer is no, you don't need it. 

We were of course never deceptive, and they were aware it would be a short-term rental.So now I am just praying the house doesn't burn down while my agent is trying to find another company. 

Short-term?