My specific question is around the tax advantages and levers I am allowed to use.

With your skills and background I would guess you would be best utilized with a larger organization that has the deal volume to afford to pay you full time.

I can pay more than a wholesaler, high EMD, and close sooner.

Connect with the host and then set up as many one-on-one coffees as you can—and pay every time!

The last thing you want to do is shop it yourself, have no clue on the bank's closing rate, and guidelines, and pay for an expensive appraisal with no loan. 

If your in there partnership program they refer you to their client if they need to sell.its a one time yearly fee & any deal closed you pay $1500i couldn't find any reviews or much info on company outside of there website.courage to know if anyone has had any dealings with this company as I find it a little strange that they don't accept any credit card payments only zell or wire or ACH.

All State & State Farm will not pay out the claims where other insurers are.  

What can I do to protect myself, as I want to avoid inheriting a tenant who may not pay rent on time or may need to be evicted after closing?

You could easily ask for a utility bill to see what the previous owner is paying.

They are excellent at making you run to the back of the room and pay $5000-$10000-$25,000 for training that won't be applicable to your area.