In the very few cases that I have heard of them exercising it, the borrower was also often given the opportunity to remedy the issue vice paying off the loan.

My RE agent is telling me we still have some options to avoid paying captain gain taxes.

Usually I like to talk to the vice president or the president of the bank. 

Without it, anything you do (REI or otherwise) will be very risky and will very likely fail.As knowledge increases, the risk comes down, and vice versa.If you plan on jumping straight into REI, then start listening to podcasts, read books as much as you can starting today.

Tell him you will roll the 14K in but only for an extra 2K in interest and ask him to accept an offer on the property of 291 vice 300.  

With your wholesaling price, it should be relatively quick and easy if they are have strong network.You will find a lot of threads on BP where wholesalers complain about agents not providing great price and vice versa where wholesalers lowball too much, and it is only because they are just playing the game wrong.This is just the brief summary of my thoughts, so hope it gives you some insight.

Budgeting up front will allow for long term savings as well as a lifestyle positioned for long term goals vice short term wants.  

I was calling around trying to find commercial buyers for a property I have, and as I was speaking to the vice president of one of the companies, he offered me a job as a broker right on the spot.

I invest in the chicago area so would love to network with some active local los angeles investors who might be interested in my market and vice versa. 

This will make you accountable to them and vice versa.