Yes, you need to be working under the supervision of a broker.

Come to your interview with a list of questions as far as commission split, mandatory office hours or meetings requirements, personal sales/purchases, what type of training or supervision is offered, etc.  

But if yiu supervise can hire guys outside of Home Depot cheap.

Certainly worth a closer look.You really need to see inside that third unit, unless you're willing to take on a meth lab or who knows what.You might consider two offers.

Even an agent (operating out of a real, operating, office) that has only done a few transactions is likely to be more aware of certain localized issues and requirements than someone who has done none (through "normal" channels), and, if you establish a proper relationship, you should expect that the broker is (per licensing requirements) "supervising" the agent, and will also be providing valuable input.

If you can not justify the needed supervision start looking for a general contractor or a project manager that is experienced and you trust. 

Clearly you need to avoid meth labs but generally speaking, a rental agreement and driver's licence/photo id gives adequate protection.Remedies for late or non payment--> This is one of the BEST thinks about storage. 

I've seen a lot of people get into trouble over the years with these kinds of arrangement because the broker did not properly supervise the activity of the salesperson and/or the brokerage.  

for the rehab - think mold, asbestos, meth lab hazards, etc.

Partnering with the contractor without understanding these details will put you at greater risk.3)  Do you get a better deal by eliminating cost-plus, general conditions, supervision and change order fees from your current arrangement?