Asking for advice is encouraged here!

Welcome to BiggerPockets @Landon WadleyI'd encourage you to reach out to more experienced investors in your area!

When I started an agent, I was encouraged to get exclusive buyers agency agreements signed.  

You must take risks, but, ensure that they are calculated risks.Below are some links to get you started. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/ubghttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessLastly, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.

A new phone and number is only $50.If you're in Snohomish county, you can at least do a quick title search online:Try entering the address here: http://snohomishcountywa.gov/2934/AssessorOr use the SCOPI interactive map to zoom in on the lot and find the tax parcel number, which you can then enter in the previous page's form.

While you will find other investors encouraging them to complain and chase people away so they can get more deals. 

I find that daily interaction with my contractors and the various trips to Home Depot or HD Supplies goes a long way in helping with cost estimates and determining rehab budgets.  

I'm not sure what motivation the poster had in encouraging you to attempt a simultaneous exchange without sufficient knowledge of the law or at least encouraging you to have professional representation but it's bad advice.   

I'd encourage you to reach out to more experienced investors in your area!

@Alex CraigI would encourage you to make sure you know more details about a situation before making claims as to what a company is or isn't doing.