If you operate in a state in which by assigning contracts you are considered to be an intermediary and not a principal, then being a licensed real estate agent in that state is a large disadvantage when wholesaling (as defined by simultaneous close or contract assignment).  

I don't see any incentive for a realtor to run multiple CMA's for us on a weekly basis, if we are not using them to buy the properties because we are working directly with the homeowners and our cash buyers.I'm sure I'm missing a step or perhaps I misunderstood some aspect of running the numbers.I was under the impression (from our training) that Realtors would have no problem running comparable if we just ask them...but I just don't see why they would spend their time running comparables if they aren't getting compensated.So I'm hoping some investor friendly realtors (preferably in Topeka or Kansas City) can help clarify and answer this question for me.  

My day job consists of being a Product Manager with a large technology company, focusing on helping other companies define their cloud computing strategies. 

If they are doing hourly or salaried work that is not "the practice of real estate", then you're fine.For anything that falls within "the practice of real estate" in your state, you most likely would have to pay their broker/brokerage - so they would need to have a sit down with their broker about how the fees would be allocated between the broker and the agent on the receiving end.In California, the practice of real estate is defined as:"a person who, for a compensation or in expectation of a compensation, regardless of the form or time of payment, does or negotiates to do one or more of the following acts for another or others:  (a) Sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, solicits prospective sellers or puchasers of, solicits or obtains listings of, or negotiates the purchase, sale or exchange of real property or a business opportunity.

That sounds like a really fun aspect of real estate!

As I always say, start by defining what your investment goals are.

Real estate interests me in all aspects but flips and income properties the most. 

Depending on where the land is (county & state), the reason I say you must get rezoning approval, at least in my area, is to change the use of the land from its defined use on the Master Land Use Plan.Suppose you have 11 acres and the house, and you separate the house with one acre from the balance of the tract leaving a 10 acre parcel of vacant land.

I try to define the neighborhood boundaries, then look at number of beds/baths, then condition/amenities.

I am now getting a certificate from zoning to show there is no commercial aspect to this property.