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These are the statements I regularly hear from many frustrated investors and even other real estate agents. Investors and real estate agents for many reasons are like oil and water. Well I am one Investor who doesn't waste a resource.

The RIGHT real estate agent or broker can be your best ally in operating a successful money making Lease Purchase business. Heck, some of my best friends are agents.

For example my friend, real estate agent Bob, calls me every week about deals. He has a constant source of people who can't get past the bank, properties that are sitting on the market, owners who are motivated, general information, comparable prices, and golf tips for me. What does Bob get in return? Last year I gave Bob over two (2) million dollars in real estate listings, property management clients, consulting and referral fees, real estate commissions and an occasional lunch. Ours is a win/win relationship. We both make money without stepping on one another's toes.

Let's face it some of these folks are the hardest working, lowest paid people in a billion dollar industry. They have to go to special schools, become licensed and regulated just for the pleasure of driving Mr. and Mrs. Looky Lou around. They have to sweat out the buyer and seller agreeing on terms, coordinate the escrow companies, lawyers, title insurance, repairs, inspections, financing and more. When a deal finally happens they are compensated by a percentage of the sale usually not in excess of 6 or 7 percent. They then have to split this princely sum with 2 or 3 other people; brokers and other agents. When you account for the overhead of advertising costs, cell phone, pager, give backs, signs, open houses and 20 other things that I can't think of right now there isn't much profit left. You only need to find one professional like Bob to change your opinion of Agents.

Locate: Work with winners. Select the best Agents or better yet brokers that you can. I prefer Re/maxª Agents because they choose real estate as a career rather than as a part-time diversion. These agents have to pay a monthly fee to operate, but get to keep their lions share of the commission.
Communicate: This is the key to success. Let your agent know what type of properties you specialize in (i.e. single family houses, condos, mobile homes, etc.) and your favorite techniques and financing (foreclosures, lease purchasing, fixers, etc.).

Here are some sample dialogues to open doors with real estate agents:

Hello, I saw your ad and was wondering if you and your client would consider a rent-to-own offer on the advertised property. You would profit in the transaction regardless if the home closes or not.
Hi Dude! (California Version) - I am a Lease Purchase investor and I have many people who have called me on my ads, too many in fact. Do you ever get potential buyers who don't qualify, but who would like to get in a good home in a nice neighborhood?
How Ya Doin'? (N.Y.C. Version) - Do you have any properties listed that will be expiring soon where the owner would consider a full price offer in return for doing a Lease with option to purchase with rights of assignment? Do ya know what I mean?
Bird-dog Version - Ms. Agent, how would you like to increase your cash flow significantly by working with me structuring rent-to-own deals? You would receive a consulting fee up front regardless if the deal closes or not. However, if it does close you will receive your usual commission.
Adversariel Florida Guru Seminar Version - Hello, what's the least your client will take for the property with nothing down ?