You can actually choose to spend all or part in the QOZ and only pay taxes on the portion you want to keep. 

If the seller chooses to ignore that advice, there's not much the Realtor can do, except to reiterate it. 

I know people who could have qualified for a A paper conventional loan but choose to keep tapping into these commercial products to take advantage of the straight forward, business purpose approach.  

your partner should be only passive as a "limited partner" and does not have any say.. to avoid stalemate on these ticky tack decisions you should have a minimum of say $5k where your partner will play a role on the decision.. and perhaps choose a mediator "a seasoned investor" who both of you agree to that can decide an outcome..

I would highly recommend you find a good one in whatever locality you choose to buy in.

I want to get started but i am having a difficult time choosing the right market to invest in.

local boards can and do switch MLS software providers but to your point, whatever one the local board chooses you’re pretty well stuck with. 

I guess that is a big step, must make sure you get prequalified.The point here is that you can choose a property that fits your PERSONAL need and also get the BEST loan you can find.  

(In the IRS language, they tax you on depreciation "allowed or allowABLE").If you choose to not take depreciation, not only it's against the tax rules ("impermissible accounting method"), but you're shooting yourself in the foot.

I am choosing a new career path and would like some advice.