Exclusive representation enables a broker to market his properties to anyone he wants including you, but ties you into buying only from him.

And doing that would enable the listing agent to double dip on the commission, increasing the chance of the agent cooperating with me.

If you are just starting off and are somewhat new you might want to consider "strong business credit" this will enable you to build your businesses credit to attract more traditional lenders.

Then, he/she will be able to help you construct a plan that will enable you to reach your short-term goals and reap the benefits needed for the proceeds and resources that your long-term goals will require.

She does plan to return to work, to improve our cash flow and enable more RE acquisition.

Same idea, trying to push investors out, and to enable owner occupieds to compete. 

I do not have building expertise, however am connected with a great builder who has those skill sets, so we combine our experience enabling us to embark on and execute projects we otherwise could not do well on our own.

You will have little equity to extract from the sell. 

I would like to start with a few wholesales or flips and then grow a portfolio that enables my money to work for me...instead of me working for the money!  

There's a difference between one-time help and long-term enabling, only you will know where your situation falls along that spectrum.Agree with @Ethan Atkinson and @Patrick Soukup - entering as a lender or $ partner might be a good route if you determine REI is the right thing for you to do now.