Question: How do realtors/brokers/agents work? Can they help me find a place or just close the deal?
Backstory: I'm starting a DIY automotive shop in my city and I am at the point where I am looking for a location. I've been approved for a 60k loan to fund the business so long as I have a lease agreement I can show the bank. 

I thought a realtor would be able to help me find a place as I haven't found anything on my own. When I called a commercial real estate agency, they sounded stunned and unsure when I asked them if they could help me find a place. They said they would get back to me after a very brief conversation so I'm not holding out for them.

I do not understand how realtors work. Was my request odd? Do they only help in closing the deal?
[{"id": "gl4m171", "text": "Yes they can help you find a space to lease. You\u2019re looking for a leasing broker. Check out the following companies for a retail or industrial broker:\n\nColliers\n\nCBRE\n\nJLL\n\nAvison Young \n\nYou shouldn\u2019t have to pay anything", "replies": [{"id": "gl4mejw", "text": "Thanks for the info! Avison Young was the company I called so I'll try the others.", "replies": [{"id": "gl4n1gr", "text": "Goodluck! FYI the landlord will be the one paying the leasing commission to your broker.", "replies": [{"id": "gl4navg", "text": "Thanks! I'll keep that in mind", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "gl71bs8", "text": "The bigger companies can be snobby. A broker would definitely help. Someone mentioned a residential broker, and I highly recommend NOT doing that. They don\u2019t have the same resources or knowledge. Commercial brokers seem to favor listings, I love buyers and tenants. I agree with whoever said to ask some of the businesses in your local market who they like. Depending on your budget and desired lease term, you might do well with a smaller local firm. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out. Happy to help with any questions.", "replies": [{"id": "glbjbz9", "text": "I figured as much. I got in touch with a commercial broker and a similar business referred me to their broker so I have options! Thanks for the info", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gl4mqj7", "text": "Hey! Good luck with your new venture and sorry to hear no one has been able to help you so far. \n\nYes, a broker should be able to both help you find the space and close the deal but you'll need to do a little digging to find someone that specializes in your field. \n\nThere are ways to search online, if you're in the US I'd suggest doing a search on Loop Net and then making a  call to a few companies that match your search. They have a \"Find a Commercial Real Estate Broker\" page that is pretty good for most cities.\n\nI'd also suggest contacting a couple of other retail or similar businesses in your area and see if they can recommend a broker to you. Typically you'll find someone you can trust by going down this route and find someone that can help in your field.\n\nHappy to help direct you further if it's useful feel free to message me.", "replies": [{"id": "gl4newd", "text": "Thank you! Contacting similar businesses is a great idea. I'll try it out", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gl4nwtx", "text": "Yes! Ask around for someone you know to make an introduction. This business is 100% by referrals. A cold call to a brokerage office and not a specific broker is unusual -- especially larger firms like this. You probably need a local boutique brokerage. You can also look on loopnet and contact a listing that seems interesting // potentially workable and see if that listing broker is interested in helping you. Goodluck!", "replies": [{"id": "gl4v392", "text": "That explains their response. Thank you!", "replies": [{"id": "gl6fnap", "text": "Im just thinking the company you called the first time are idiots.  Sounds like you found someone better already.  Good luck!  Buying your own place is the way to go.  Make sure you have room to grow!", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gl54ex5", "text": "I would recommend getting on loopnet and looking for some lease listings for buildings similar to what you are looking for. Start with who you competitors would be and see if those buildings are listed and by whom, then call that real estate agent.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gl54smt", "text": "Most residential realtors can do that under business opportunities. The commercial realtor thought you want to list a building or apt building..... Go through a broker as some residential agents are knowledgeable on contracts etc.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gl58ags", "text": "Also try Craigslist under office/commercial", "replies": [{"id": "gl5qzpx", "text": "I just got in touch with an agent with experience in my industry. But thanks for the suggestion!", "replies": [{"id": "gl5v4et", "text": "No problem", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gl6dp1o", "text": "Look for someone who does Tenant Representation", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]