Where people tend to get "burned" when signing with a buyer's agent is in a scenario in which you find the property, but you may still owe your agent a commission because of them being a procuring cause of the sale. 

Figure out what you have into the property for total cost and than run a highest and best use analysis.This should tell you whether to rehab what is there or tear it down and build something new with the same asset class or a totally different asset class ( commercial, etc.).Additionally once you find out the highest and best use then look at the TIME required to develop that use and receive income from it or sell off.Some people will get the fire department to do a "controlled burn" on the property and use it as a fire exercise.

It may cost a few bucks, but you won't be burning bridges.

Have I been burned? 

If your 4-plex were to burn down and zoning would only allow you to replace it with a single home, that could be problematic; ie what would the insurance company pay to rebuild? 

A tenant could also burn your property down or a host of other issues.

About 15 years ago, I talked to them about plans that may affect a burned out triplex on Oakwood my partner and I were trying to buy.

It feels like I'm stuck in some sort of limbo between "I want to make a lot of money" and "I really want to help a lot of people.On one hand, there sits a burning desire to help people, which has been a part of my personality for a long time.On the other hand squats a selfish guilt in wanting to make a large amount of money.

If you're like us, where you have a burning desire to pursue this journey,but still need a push, then let's take this leap of faith together.We can share our passion and experiences together.  

@Sunny Burns, thanks for your input.