I feel your pain. I happen to be licensed but not active in the RE industry. I do however keep an eye out for potential investment properties. On several occasions I have found properties on the MLS that peak my interest so I e-mail and call the listing agent before submitting an offer. 9 out of 10 times I do not get a call or email back and the property just lingers on the market even longer. With agents claiming that business has slowed down so much I wonder why they are ignoring so many potential clients?
Also depending on how well a property is priced 25% off listing price may not be that unrealistic in todays market.