Rentals - using Agent vs Not

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Hi,

Wondering what the community's thoughts are on using an Agent for rentals. Does it hurt or help you? I've always thought that using craigslist and trulia/zillow myself is the way to go. I dont pay a fee which takes away from my bottom line and neither does my tenant which should make it more attractive. However, i've spoken to some folks who think that the agent and their affiliated offices make a huge difference in finding tenants. 

For a recent rental, i used an agent first and used their suggested ask of $2400 a month, we received no hits in the first 2 weeks. The agent was kind enough to let me off the hook so that I can post it myself, we've received more hits but no takers. We've dropped the asking to $2200 a month but nothing has stuck yet. I'm thinking about going back to the agent at this range so that his office and peers can show it but i'm not sure if it will help. 

Any guidance would be appreciated as I'm just starting out.

[Dennis M.]

Facebook Marketplace is where I get most of my tenants