When she finally returned her tone had changed significantly and she said that I will not be receiving a check after all.

You are going to need the help of a good attorney to sort through this mess and truthfully it maybe cheaper to give up your deposit.

I guess it depends on how big are you planning to get to need all these middlemen.Also real Estate brokerages are not just there to lend their name, unlike what this guys are offering, they are liable for what their agents do, and they do go thru more training and educations than a salesperson does, agents are only independent contractors as far as the IRS is concern.

You are likely still going to need a similar down-payment.

Next time let them deal with bozos like that listing agent, while doing so with a professional tone to get the straight shot answers you need to proceed or move on. a lot of people will tell you that 1% of MLS deals are good deals, and even fewer will be available to track down.

I am admittedly very nervous to go meet with sellers because I feel unprepared in the sense that I've never completed a real estate transaction, yet these people are relying on me to know what I'm doing and get this deal done.Anyways, one thing that I'd like to clear up is what do you need to bring with you on your appointment, and what are you going to need from the seller?

After the tone, think about your name,your reason for calling,and a number where I can reach you and I'll think about returning your call.

It is better to have it and don't needed, than to need it and don't have it.  

Are you going to need to put in turf or new shrubbery?

This is a simple transaction where you are unlikely to need a lawyer.