Negotiate on fees as well.

With a HELOC, you have no extra expense (some HELOC has annual fees, but they are low - like $100 - $200 at most which is negligible) unless you actually pull the cash out.  

This is just the construction costs, with blue-prints, lawyer fees, surveys, etc., usually gets pushed up to $110/sq.

If you are worried about fees, there are several companies that are 100% commission and just charge a transaction fee.  

Sale price of 270 minus 10% for fees and real estate agent leaves us with 243k. 243k- 240k =3k.

To buy this new 8plex I would have to refinance my current 8plex and increase the mortgage from 170k to 510k (170k+320k for new 8plex+20k for acquisition fees or other things)This is my current property (8plex)This is my current property after refinancing (8plex)This will be my new 8plexI should also add the the new property is in very good shape.

You can negotiate a break fee for terminating the lease early in the primary lease term.

My husband and I feel like in essence, they are acting within their professions of realtor & contractor and that their compensation should simply be the commission from the purchase and sale of the property, and the contractor fee for managing the renovation.

Inspections, appraisals, attorney fees, etc.

Apt complexes run rent specials,, no application fee's, free months rent.. so watch ad's outside banners and websites are easy everything is so well done now days,, complete video tours..