Also, newer wholesalers only see about half of their contracts get dispo'd and closed (sometimes less) because of the reason just mentioned or a lack of Buyers to dispo to. 

Yes, you can deduct related expenses including gas, loan interest, insurance, etc. using the actual vehicle expenses method to deduct auto expenses for your rental or other businesses. 

However, he asked me to sign a one-year Exclusive Right to Represent agreement, as presented to him by his brokerage.His interpretation is that it applies only when he materially assists me, but I think the boilerplate brokerage language he was given reads much more broadly:"If during the term of this Agreement Buyer enters into a contract for the purchase of Property through the services or efforts of the Broker or Buyer’s Brokerage Firm, or by or through any other persons during the term of this Agreement" (emphasis mine).My concern is that, under my interpretation, if a fellow real estate investor wants to unload a property or if I get pointed to an opportunity by a former agent, colleague, or friend, this agreement could create an obstacle to moving forward with the deal.In the end, I didn’t sign.

We are currently under contract on one of the lots.

This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

The house is under contract and i hope we close soon.

It's part of their contract to get paid and not getting paid is a violation of the contract.

I underestimated utilities in my early years, so I ensure those are properly captured (electricity, gas, water and trash).

It took about 2 years from contract to opening. 

Congrats on going under contract!