I like to tell people that I've moved myself from 'small time' to 'medium time' and seem to be stalled.

Perhaps it's because they know that their county council lobbyist is doing such an effective job of stalling urban density. 

Could I start the short sale process with the bank and that would stall the foreclosure?

Think: 4th of July weekend, Del Mar horse racing season, etc.

One of the places I stayed on the trip did have a shower head and plumbing on the wall, but no tub or shower stall, just a drain in the middle of the floor and a shower curtain, presumably to protect the rest of the room which included a commode and a wash basin.

Thanks to gurus, some coaches or mentors, we have young people coming into real estate with insouciant attitudes about this industry as if it were opening up a blacksmith shop to sell horse shoes.

These self imposed limits have stalled any wealth creation.

or opening week for the Del Mar horse races (going on now!)

I think you are putting the cart before the horse.  

So here I am, starting to research how to do this properly/legally (put the cart in front of the horse perhaps.. rookie move), and realtor doesn't think I need to do anything but he's not getting a huge vote of confidence from me.