I don't want to deal with some agency to tell me what I can sell it for.

@Miles Stanleytrec.texas.govclick on the "Agency Information" tabclick on the "Forms and Contracts" linksearch the forms for the TREC 1-4 Family Resale form & other needed formsdownload the form to your desktop or a folder (they're .pdf fillable)Make sure your legal counsel or a very seasoned agent provides you a good understanding of your rights and obligations under the TREC contract.

It's how you position your real estate investment specifically that will largely dictate your returns.Also if your basing your investment decisions on main stream magazine articles your probably better off sticking to mutual funds.

And for sure do not do this to any bank or regulated agency that is out and out fraud.

Jeff Burdick thanks for posting that link and I agree Chicago is taking a bad rap thanks to all the fake news(corp interest, doing anything for views) such as Fox, CNN, espn, abc/Disney and other big name mainstream media.

Even if you signed a buyer agency agreement, they aren't enforceable so just be honest and move on.When looking for an investor-friendly agent, ask them if they invest and when they say yes, ask them where they have properties.

Have you found reasonable rental agency fees?

You should note that it is required by law to have a written buyer/agency agreement in the state of Maryland if the agent is representing you, but the terms of that agreement are negotiable between the agent and buyer.  

If not, you can walk all over him.I have extracted head-shaking concessions from weak agents.As to dual agency, I wouldn't recommend it. 

You should read the Buyer's Agency Agreement and learn the difference before you start your search.