He even executed a rental application (as the prior landlord did a horrible job of retaining tenant information) via DocuSign! 

@Marty Summers You will retain the ability to use the 121 primary residence exemption as long as you qualify for it. 

Be careful of the scarcity mindset agents who will ask for a monthly retainer to work with investors, "because writing a lot of low ball offers is time consuming with a small acceptance rate."

But then of course still retain each house as a rental and not necessarily flipping them.

When I bought my duplex 3 years ago I noticed that retaining wall separating my neighbor's lot from my property was showing signs of bulging and incorrect drainage.

However, as you note, a portfolio lender who will retain the loan on their books as opposed to reselling it will be able to extend past the 10 loan cap. 

for A traditional sale in this market will move just as fast & help the seller retain that equity in the sale. 

Zillow has the muscle to throw some big punches, should they choose to.

It would be very unusual for the broker to retain the deposit in the event the deal fell apart.Theoretically, your independent contractor agreement with your broker could say that your broker will pay you a commission in advance of a sale closing.

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