The hope was to use use bonus depreciation to offset my active income and reinvest next year.

This can also be used as a line of credit for the business, it is also used as Key Person insurance, executive bonus programs and many more.

So long-term thesis remains the same, invest with a long term horizon. 7 years at least, prefer 10-20.If you got a windfall or a great bonus from W2 and someone says you can buy 8 houses, buy 5.

and why (bonus)

Then you might first consider offering him a bonus or a higher finder's fee before turning him into an equity partner.

For example, many realtors work with lead companies that the realtor pays a flat rate per lead or a monthly subscription - There are no bonuses or referral fees for a lead that results in a successful closing. 

We have to make them :)  ya just be patient, but in my area there're always 2 to 3 that has ADU/converted garage/bonus room/basement/etc .... find one in hilly neighborhood.

Tack on the stock bonuses (free stock) plus the ability (optional) to invest 5% of your commissions into stock at 80% of market value, the result for any one who produces equates to keeping more of your profits than with the competition agencies.

APPLICATION REJECTED...bonus points awarded for creativity.p.s.

Bonus, it's a tax write off on the business.