Should I continue mediation or pursue legal action (considering the time and costs involved)?

Seems like a liability as long as you continue to own this property.  

We have had hosts on the platform since then that are continuing to do well and add units.

So most agents are only putting about half of that $12k in their pocket, and out of that $6k they have to cover all of their operating expenses: licensing fees, MLS/ Realtor Association fees, continuing education classes to stay compliant with licensing requirements, monthly "desk" fees/ technology fees to their brokerage, health insurance for themselves and their family, errors and omissions insurance (required), marketing, car, car insurance, gas, clothes, computer/ software, cell phone, closing gifts, signs, photography, staging if they offer that, etc.

I don't want to be surprised though as I go to buy additional properties just to have them say that I'm taking on too much debt even though my income can support it so long as I continue taking in rental income.  

New to real estate but possess a deep understanding of the responsibilities to continue to gain knowledge and remain loyal with my clients and professionally with my colleagues.  

A couple other neighborhoods I like besides the two you mentioned are Washington Park, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore.I think that area will continue to be gentrified because you have the lakefront as well as CTA trains.Is there any reason you are targeting Chicago instead ofdoubling down in Kansas City?

Therefore, your financial freedom hinges on new companies continuously moving into the city, creating replacement jobs.Companies have many options when selecting a location to set up operations.

.- China is issuing record debt to stave off recession, while the US bull market continues (Wallerstein).- Texas vs California Home Construction.

I also purchased a multi-parcel farm property in TN where the trust who owned the property was out of money and needed cash to continue.