What I'm looking for is a meeting of the minds that demonstrate to me that you are not going to go around me to "save" the commission.  

It demonstrates how not to throw in the towel while in the mist of a bad situation, but being tough-minded and navigating through it and coming out on the winning end.  

Total rent cost scenario = rent due every monthTotal own cost scenario = PITI due every month, + utilities, - interest tax deduction, - principal reduction, - avg YoY appreciation/12, - forced appreciation (if you fix it up.)For example, a completely made-up scenario where the numbers are made-up but demonstrate a very real principal:Total rent cost scenario = ($1500) Rent = $1500 true internal monthly costTotal own cost scenario = ($2300) PITI + ($250) utilities - $150 interest deduction - $450 principal reduction - $300 [2% YoY/12months] - $150 [Assuming $9,000 of value added from improvements divided over five years living in home] = $1500 true internal monthly costOnce you've calculated your total liability for each scenario, then you should weigh out the non-tangible benefits of each:Renting - increased mobility, limited responsibility for repairs and things, lower up-front out-of-pocket cost.Owning - Net worth of owners across the US has been shown to be much greater than renters. 

However, it is important in my view that if you are committed to your relationship that you display a willingness to demonstrate that commitment.

In anticipation of some objections surrounding the Realtor bit, below is a peer-reviewed economic study that empirically demonstrates Realtors do not sell the home for more money than FSBOs, nullifying their argument that their marketing efforts of iPhone photography, and picture slide-show "virtual tours" will somehow sell it for more to cover the extra cost of the commission.https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/38634/1/57...

I take that to mean: network your tail off and get involved in your city politics / planning to demonstrate your knowledge and help guide critical decisions in your community.

It's also hard to demand these type of "aggressive" terms before demonstrating value or distinguishing your services from the other agents in the market.

That demonstrates your history.

I do quite well but because I don't have 2 years of that commission demonstrated, I can't qualify for more than $100k for a new home (we are selling the current one and going our separate ways).

On page 29 there’s a list of words that demonstrate if you’re living in the land of Good Intentions, Intentional living or a Life that matters.