But without anything in writing, just a "yes" on the phone, moving forward with attorney expenses, contracts, and anything else, was taking a big chance. 

But chances are the rent is not going to be high enough to cover the mortgage payment and any other debt you might have.  

I want to have an equitable relationship with whoever supplies a potential deal but not be married to one real estate agent.So I obtained a list of agents from Zillow of my area and effectively shot gun emailed them, (30 so far) with who I am, my website and the kind of distressed property I am looking for.  

I got a chance to see and hear 1st hand Ben's approach and properties.

In all fairness, let's give @Sohin Shah a chance to address this, as I know they have had great results in other markets. 

Given the statistics of landing just one deal, I'd rather have many people to market to in order to up my chances of landing a deal.As far as the subsequent months, keep mailing until you land the deal or they ask you to stop mailing them. 

My credit is fair, nothing outstanding, but I have a good history of paying my debts so I think I stand a good chance of finding financing if I know where to look.

I have a chance to buy it back now, but AFAICT market rents are in the $1000/mo. range today!

I really liked the rest of the site and decided to give the forums a chance.

The selling agent is going to let these properties go to auction, not giving his seller a proper chance, and doing it completely out of spite.