The alternative I see as a work around but full disclosure I am not a lawyer is giving tenants notice to vacate and then listing the property with no active tenants or have tenants sign off that they are not interested in buying the building and list right away. 99% of tenants are not capable of being buyers so who knows how often this ordinance will actually be used.

That is a question you may need an answer for if interviewed by SEC.The SEC lawyers I know of generally say that raising $ for others requires a license, unless, you can find an exception to fit under.

If they don't respond, I swing by the apartment on the way the courthouse or before I pay the lawyer and make sure they haven't already moved.

make sure a lawyer reviews the agreement.  

You should ask a lawyer in that state if that violates a statutory provision or case law interpreting your landlord-tenant act.

I'd get a real estate lawyer and tell them the structure and partnership you want to create.

Realtors are the same percentagewise as any other profession, whether it be doctors, lawyers, contractors, you name it. 10% are garbage80% are average10% are pros If you can find the last 10%, go with a Realtor and make your life easier. 

Check with a real estate lawyer before taking action!

I am a lawyer who has been a stay at home mom for the past 7 years.

But this also lets you bargain by saying "you say it makes money but you have never claimed any profit".If you like it and then you get a lawyer to draft a contract with all the Details, detailed out even more and push for a closing day.Once that is good to go, you make a new business then do a DBA form if you want to keep the existing name for recognition.The buyer does NOT need a representative like Real Estate, it is fairly uncommon for buyers to have one.