Once I told them my company was designated as an S Corp the representative told me I should have setup an LLC for what I am trying to do.

Policies that are designed for leverage have the commissions and insurance costs minimized.

Designing is actually one of my favorite things.

First off designing a bathroom is the hardest.

Looks like they are really designed as a retirement savings like a 401k.  

However, on the exterior, I have privacy fenced back yards with designed landscaping, which might get damaged by dogs. 

I'm also curious to hear about what each of your thoughts and preferences are when it comes to hiring architects or designers for your SFH rehab projects, or do you just settle with your own ideas and a use general contractor only? 

Finding an agent off the street isn't going to be easy to do if you want to find one that understand working with investors especially one that is looking to be creative.For the most part you MIGHT be able to find one that way to buy mediocre rentals off the MLS with large down payments and conventional financing, but past that it is more of a needle in a haystack situation.You will have much better luck going to some of the local meetings and talking to agents there.

The developer is providing capital, reviewing deals and are overseeing design and construction as the owner.

To make matters worse, the assessment was so high because the condo association president was inept and allowed the contractor to do the design work for the repairs and didn't get any other bids.