Which I can be, some would say i'm a control freak but what ever! 

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

I lost my passion and love for real estate investing, and ended up doing a variety of other things, from selling time share, cars, office solutions, I just did what I had to do to keep my sanity...

Ive just started in my flipping business and and frustrated by the lack of control without access to MLS directly.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

If I can keep control and plan my exit (15-18 years from now), that will keep me happy

Words like, "hoping", "wonder if", and "lost", (your words) are not words investors use.  

It's a massive reduction in lost wealth.

He claims that is none of my business since the city owns it.While it is true the city does control the first 25 ft of property I am the one who will have to replace and repair any lawn damage, and i would be responsible to keep it mowed. 

I strongly dislike the continued pressure of HomeAway to be in control of property for which they have contributed nothing and want to position myself with data and system independent of them but one which is compatible with HomeAway and is inexpensive.