They calculated that our equity contribution represented 12% out of the total project build out cost (3 million/25 million) and were giving us a bonus and granting 18% of the cash flow to us.

Is that little bonus room more valuable as it is?

You don't have the option of deferring tax through a 1031 exchange.I like REITS early in a cycle when their scale allows them to ramp up with good purchases and dividends are typically much more generous through the FFO payouts. 

We were even offering a bonus to buyers agents, we often do on lower priced stuff.

If the emphasis is going to be on your own comfort and enjoyment of the property and any rental income is a bonus, then there's a set of deals for that pursuit...if the emphasis is going to be on a cash-flowing investment and any use you get out of the property is a bonus, then there's a set of deals for that as well.

And I can keep smaller tools in the storage cabinet underneath - bonus!

As a double bonus one of the other units I was concerned about (daughter of the owner) also decided to move.  

Both the basic entitlement and bonus entitlement. 

To the second question, we provide tons of extra bonus content when you purchase on our site with each book purchase.

When you estimate these projects, you can't be too generous with your budget.