Do I ask the gentleman to use a licensed contractor, or can I just go tell him to kick rocks (does my agreement hold any weight on his end)?

Especially because the city of Charlotte is growing rapidly, and people need houses to stay in.

Now, I find my business is growing more rapidly than projected and I'm looking for ways to reduce my tax liability.

That's a weight off my chest! 

If the historic pattern of real estate development follows its neighboring markets along the subway line (such as Wicker Park), this area will gentrify rapidly and see significant appreciation.Property: Legal 2 units with finished basement and finished attic.

However, if you have your own real estate agent represent you, then they're focusing on your best interest and your chances of getting the deal unfairly weighted in your favor are greater.

If the historic pattern of real estate development follows its neighboring markets along the subway line (such as Wicker Park), this area will gentrify rapidly and see significant appreciation.Property: Legal 2 units with finished basement and finished attic.

But if you are serious about taking your life and business to the next level then you have to realize that you need to build out your team and a good property manager will be worth their weight in gold.

I used an SFR to 1031 into my MFU, so that's a path *IF* you can buy in a rapidly appreciating SFR market. 

Basically I had to weight my options, 250x12 =3000, I couldn't miss out on that extra 3,000 dollars even if my situation was easy with the long term tenants.