Most markets do not appreciate in this manner, hence I agree with the general position you have taken, but the alternate scenario exists.

Before I started my own company, I was a construction super for many years, and have vast experience both in the physical labor and project management side of what it takes to do a flip in a timely manner.

They are prompt and take care of requests in a timely manner.

This approach is the last resort.Unless the property purchase agreement included an assignment of the architect's design contract that was signed by the architect, you have little leverage to compel them to perform other than throwing money at them to make it worth their while.Option 1 (best option): I would highly recommend sitting down with them, getting a new contract in which they are contractually bound to you and throw enough additional money at them to get you to their front burner.

You can add a partner as long as you take title to as much as you sold in the same manner as you sold. 

I'd strongly lean toward eXp because it's simply a more rich environment in that manner BUT switch gears and search out TEAMS within the brokerage.

Roy, was there something you were told or read that compelled you to try to go down this path as the"newbie" you call yourself?  

My rental is in a big university town (Columbus, OH) and that seems like a compelling medium for finding MTR leads. 

I am looking into purchasing properties from tax deed sales, and was wondering if you are able to cash out refinance these properties in a timely manner.

Know this, in older areas (1950s or older) with 1-5 acre lots, shallow ground water (<100ft) and septic systems it is only a manner of time before Nitrates become an issue if they are not already.