When you say you talked to the sales agent I take it to mean you spoke directly to the listing agent who is listing the home? If so then yes that agent will have a complete history of what went on AND what the negotiator for the short sale has been told by the investors with regards to price or bottom line. Additionally that agent should also know if there is a trustee sale date established already and when it is.
Should you submit an offer low? Depends on how badly you want the home. If you want it really badly then you may want to reconsider. If you are just so so and you like it but not love it then go ahead and fire in a lowball offer. If the offer is so low that the listing agent knows the negotiator will punt it, then they will not submit it as they will consider it a waste of time because submitting a short sale package can be a chore and at times resets the process.
