We're seeing an unfamiliar clause and wanted to verify that we're not making a mistake.The broker asks for a $500 fee (they say they reserve the right to retain/charge in its discretion, in any non-closing event to cover for its services).Is it common for a broker to ask a $500 fee out of the EMD in case we back off the offer?

Pay the small amount to have a licensed CPA under a retainer agreement and contract in writing with you pay all bills and taxes and issue all deposit refunds etc.

Unless it is a potential massive and slam-dunk payout, they will ask for a retainer upfront even on a contingency case. 

Tenant can program their own code while you retain the master and the key for emergencies.

Option one would be to assign the unwanted contract prior to closing and collect difference between the contract price I have and agreed to sales price with the assigned buyer and retain the desired property.

We even tried FEMA but no luck.We have a litigation attorney we are retaining who deals directly with tenant/landlord issues.

I have retained a lawyer and they filed notices but the courts have not yet scheduled a hearing.

It takes a considerable amount of skilled and reliable labor to complete 25 homes, so we suggest subcontracting all the trades and retaining a small in-house crew of experts in individual trades such as framing, masonry, roofing, etc.

How well do they retain the tenants and how long did they take for your property(ies) to rent out? 

Common fees will include a set-up fee, a leasing fee for each turnover or a lease renewal fee, marking up maintenance, retaining late fees, and more.