Normally, no one builds a mansion in a blighted area.

I have been licensed since 1975  I have wholesaled I cant tell you how many properties well over 1000 that's for sure.But you have to define wholesalingMy definition is I buy them close on them  then usually do something to improve them sometimes not and then I resell them.If your definition of wholesaling is to simply make larger fee's than a normal brokerage commission ..

. $1800+ is the “new normal” for a 1900-2200sf sfh.

@Paul Sandhu There are normally 2 Realtors in a transaction-  listing agent works for the seller, a buyer's agent works for the buyer.

They are starting with commercial and will surely go after residential in time, There is too much money for them to leave on the table with Cali's long term debt issues.But still, I would guess it is a great market to invest in because it draws a certain type of person that likes the weather/ lifestyle/ambience and since it is your native home, it would be somewhat difficult for you to relocate and learn a new area....

@Marshall HenryThe option not addressed, is to use the normal sized bins and let tenants know that trash goes inside only.

Do agents normally charge half of a month for their fee.

As @Jiri B.said, they're not too difficult for you to perform since when done well the client simply does what they always do normally - sell a piece of investment property and purchase new investment real estate.The devil is in the details in between. 

This seems like a lifestyle / passion project.

But, normally clients just don't fall into your lap.