Not trying to argue with you, but attaching new meanings to common terms could easily confuse new investors here seeking advice. 

Most syndication deals dont make much sense unless you are raising $500k+ and $1M + could be argued. 

While I can't necessarily argue the numbers (given I presume they are facts), my experience as a property manager tells me that I can still rent units at top of the market rents in under 1 month, and often on 2 year leases (in urban areas).

It's hard(er) to argue when the deadlines are already determined... just ensure you keep on top of weekly (or whatever's needed) progress and that you both agree to it before moving on to the next thing.

Since you are new to real estate investing, I recommend using the bigger pockets rental property calculator and reading The ABCs of Real Estate Investing as well as The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing both by Ken McElroy.

Before the crane costs, the number was over our site build cost by a good margin but possibly acceptable given carry cost savings, after crane costs added, total breakdown in our considering this a viable method for our moderate income privately financed UTH housing offer.They of course argue correctly that they can save us the interest cost with shorter construction delivery cycles, but the total cost PSF is so out of coherence with the market that interest carry savings cant' make up for the overages in modular costs.

For multifamily, The ABC'S of Real Estate is extremely appropriate. 

Agents argue that if you are buying and selling for a profit, then you are being an agent with no license.

Is this common or is this an inflated rate that needs to be formally argued and reduced? 

If they can argue that it happened after their title work cleared title, then you might have to pay out of pocket for it but a title attorney should be able to clear this up.