If you really don't value your agent's ability and think you can do it better, it's likely best that you 1) interview more to find one that you do trust, 2) go through the listing agent, directly, if you're that comfortable with handling your side on your own, or 3) maybe get your license so you can control your side of negotiations with the proper tools needed (MLS access with agent info, showings, contracts, tax records, uploaded listing docs like surveys, disclosures, broker assistance for questions, etc.).

It's a crock.You need to pay off all debt and get your finances under control.

Some sponsors are mitigating this risk by raising their own pref tranches from their own investor base, thereby giving them control over the terms.In a strong up market it’s likely that rent growth and strong demand will drive up income, thus driving up value, which supports the ability to take out the pref.  

There are clearly downsides - the investments are even less liquid than active real estate, they are completely out of your control and they are long term in nature.  

But it wasn't until a pivotal moment that I realized the importance of taking control of my financial future.

You have control over it but it will be a lot more work.

Nice area of the city but the buyer will likely be inheriting rent controlled tenants.

In CA currently only MF properties are rent controlled.  

This is a common issue, but having stricter cost control measures or a contingency buffer in place could help on future projects.

Also it would be interesting to control for attributes such as 1) condo vs. fee simple and 2) modest vs. midrange vs. high priced homes.