The only thing that matters is moving forward towards a goal that fulfills your needs and will ultimately make you happy. 

1)Does it only affect the proceeds that would have gone to the owner after fulfilling the current mortgage?

You are right that some lenders do not require listing agreements to fulfill the requirements of a "complete package" but there are some lenders who do.

Remain in this property for one year, to fulfill the obligation set in place by the lender for owner occupied properties.

Those kinds of things have a way of becoming self-fulfilling prophesies.

You need to partner with people who will fulfill a specific role.Since you have management skills and vast experience as well as Capital, you bring a lot to the table.

Just make sure you can fulfill all your obligations under the land contract as well. 

Your construction experience and dedication to learning will serve you well in real estate.Wishing you all the best as you venture into this fulfilling path!

Hello All, My name is Abel, and I am a current part time college student residing in New York.While many (including some of my family members) have suggested to me that I should wait until I finish school and get a career before investing, I believe that there is a way to get started without having to wait a couple of more years to fulfill my dreams and career goals.

But if your agent cant fulfill what you are looking for then go elsewhere.