We are not large scale but we do own properties in multiple states and are aware of the limitation of a subjective line like "should have rented in a hot market".

Line of Credits (like HELOCS) allows access to a set amount of money up to a pre-determined limit and it is revolving.

The Exchange Accommodation Titleholder ("EAT"), often a sister company to the qualified intermediary, will form a single-member limited liability company and disregarded entity or ("SMLLC") to serve as the lessee.

@Tony Schmucker if it were me, it would totally depned on a ton of differing factors that you may not be measuring (some outside of investment real estate). 

.- Lifetime limit: The $10,000 is a lifetime limit, meaning you can only use it once for this purpose.- Taxes: While the 10% penalty is waived, the withdrawn amount will still be subject to regular income taxes.This can be a useful way to access funds for a home purchase, but keep in mind the tax implications and the potential impact on your retirement savings.

Being in the Army limits my ability to travel and explore markets firsthand.

there just aren’t many sold properties in the neighborhood in the last 3 months and even out to 6 months is limited.

You can measure the success of the brokerage by the number of agents that leave after a few years, to start their own brokerage, and whom become successful (some just leave because it's bad and try it on their own and never quite get it).

I singles out 3 routes, and due to funds limitations I can take only 1.1.

You CAN limit that agreement to a specific property; but, as others have stated, agents are looking for a certain amount of loyalty from their clients.If an agent gets vibes from a prospective client that indicates that they want to cheapskate and not pay a professional for their service, they are not likely to waste their time with them.