As a GC myself I find there is a HUGE dichotomy on what your read as best/fair practices from the perspective of Contractors and RE investors.  

I've been using a 50mm to shoot the inside of my current abode for practice, it works alright in my experience. 

I can navigate these things in your favor.One of my talents is contract mastery which comes from that has come from my background and experience in Oil & Gas.To get comfortable with the contracts your mentors teach you to practice writing and presenting contracts.

But how does this actually play out in practice?

Anybody been through the practical application of the law in a situation like this?

Since it is our practice to analyse a property using the posted rate - and then obtain a variable rate mortgage 2%+ lower, but set out payments as though we were paying a 5-yr fixed at the posted rate ... it will be not change for us ;-)

First things first I am not a lawyer and I cannot give you legal advice but it sounds to me like your describing a buyer broker agreement which is standard practice up where I'm at.

Now, keep in mind.1) This is a regional bank in my area.  2) I have done several smaller multifamily deals to show a track record, albeit short.  3) These are their lending practices today, who knows what they will want to do tomorrow.  

There are a lot of good resources available and proving to your potential partner a serious focus and how you are preparing besides an eventual practical experience will show that even though you may lack the credible experience, you have all the "right stuff" to get there quickly and be a good partner for him too.

One good association attorney could poke wholes through their practices and no association wants to be under a microscope.