Any advice on finding an experienced short sale agent in this area?

The  Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation is great education/ certification for a Realtor to have, however it does not mean they are experienced with short sales.My advice would be to contact the brokers of a few Real Estate Companies in your area and ask them for the name and contact information of their agent most experienced with short sales. When you interview the agents, ask them how many short sales they have completed from the listing end,do you have multiple mortgages? ask if they are experienced in negotiating with multiple lenders and make sure they explain the entire process to you. Just a few other tips : (1)Start getting your paperwork together and create a file before you receive an offer. Usually the bank(s) require a hardship letter, tax returns,bank statements, paystubs, proof of  assets like 401K's, IRA's etc..(2)Make sure you have every single document that your bank asks for. One thing missing? Your file gets set aside and usually has to be totally resubmitted  (3) If you are torn between 2 Realtors after you interview them, choose the one with the more pleasant phone manner. The loss mitigation/short sale person(at the bank) assigned to your file probably feels they are overworked, under appreciated, underpaid and has been spoken to in a less than civil manner by at least 3 Realtors and/or sellers that day (or hour) before your Realtor even gets them on the phone. Being pleasant will help expedite your file faster than being short, curt, or nasty. (4) Even though it's a short sale,make your home show as well as possible. You don't need to spend any money, just declutter, get it squeaky clean, mow & weed.

Best Wishes to You.