I understand a lot about the business from the hard money side and can recognize a good deal (or exposure position) when I see one.

Around December of last year I was thinking I should reduce my stock exposure, pay down debt, have more reserves. 

It's beyond stupid, don't get me going on the whole exposure part.

If you're only trying to defer a $100K gain ($20-25K tax exposure?)

Liability  - you have exposure both from the land and also from the construction process. 

That will give you more exposure (however, in my last experience, you get more tire kickers with Trulia/Homepad/Zillow). 

On the listing side - Does a MLS listing really get that much more exposure than one on Zillow, Trulia, etc?  

New Zealand, Australia they recalled many loans in the GFC to reduce their exposure. 30 year fixed loans without default, can be called at any time.

The key is exposure!

Every agent is different and you're going to have to establish those expectations, but for my remote deals my agent does all the walkthroughs with me via FaceTime, sets up all of the bids with contractors, does my property management and maintenance, pretty much everything I would do if I was there in person.You don't have to visit every day, but it might be some good exposure.