I would position increasing the commission as a way to attract buyers agents and a way to fund your efforts to more aggressively promote the property.Asking for more money on smaller deals is reasonable.

If the property is on the border of Logan Square you usually cannot use a recently sold comparable in Hermosa.Now you can use the NOI to promote how good the property is from a cash flow perspective but appraisers generally won't use that number to determine the value.

We will do a very through materials list before we do the first and then adjust from there. 

@John BernardoYou need to pass the "material participation" test for this business.

Many associations establish a policy limiting the types of flooring that can be used, and/or requiring sound deadening material be used to limit the transmission of sounds, including "walking" loudly.

I've seen this many times, last month we had someone from fort still in OK to the JBLM Lewis Mcchord and that resulted in a higher BAH (more expensive market) but also because of promotion in Rank from lieutenant to captain.Just make sure you figure out the approximate increase in pay and if it will be non taxable because you can also gross up your non taxable portions of your pay 125% or 1.25X as well (usually its just the BAS/BAH but not your base pay).This will allow you to figure out your borrowing power ahead of time. 

In this scenario, we had to manage the float pretty tightly, as the bank would not release funds until stages were complete, thus no money upfront, however, in most cases we were able to use invoices for materials, etc that were on a short credit window to make it happen.   

Sale price-Materials-Labor= Net GainThen they spilt it 50/50. 

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you mentioned an interest in buy and hold, I added a couple links below on this niche for your review, while waiting for local connections and feedback on the Kansas City area. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Go into the learn section and select some podcasts to listen to, in the learn section you can review materials that address lead generation.