Ideas of what to do with 2 vacant lots:I own a single parcel that had 12 homes, lined up in a row-the whole side of a cul-de-sac street.  2 burned down and were demolished.

I think you should plan on compensating yourself for it.I hope this works out for you but just wanted to share my observations in hopes of it giving you extra things to think about.

Also to buy only properties where I can add value and/or have built-in equity as a bit of a cushion for if/when the market takes a dip.It’s not that I’m expecting to sell anytime soon, but I’d like to have the option to sell and the extra equity created allows me to do that.Finally keeping plenty of cash reserves and sources of capital open (lines of credit, private money).

It’s still possible to pay down the house early by making extra principal payments.

That extra $15,000 not only covers full commission, it also puts more money in the seller’s pocket.I work extremely hard to market and expose to the highest amount of buyers and the Agent's that represent them in order for my Seller Clients, to get the highest offer for their home. 

I would only charge extra if you knew going into the agreement that it was going to be short term.  

I'm sure you have a babysitter lined up and what not, but kids are only young for so long and that extra two hours a day you're away from them really adds up.

I am saving up money to make our first investment into real estate and am now considering simultaneously getting a real estate license for the resources, learning, networking, and hopefully down the road, a bit of extra income. 

Just sell it and keep the extra money.

I bought the lot 10+ years ago to prevent a slash-and-burn developer from getting it and putting a home that wasn't right for the historic neighborhood (it's not designated, modern homes look extremely out of place here).