Although I've never been the sole person doing it I have sold a flip without an agent and it went smoothly. 

A precursor to major growth in a market is a city pushing to pass legislation that will alter zoning and allow more units in a smaller area, more flexibility for developers, more parking, mass transit etc. etc. just a few thoughts. 

Any suggestions on how to protect our interest in this and make the transition as seamless as possible?

@Ken YeungI did one recently with Langdon Mortgage company- Greg is really easy to work with and the process was smooth.

That being said, millennials are set to become the richest generation as wealth transition happens. 

Separately do you think I will need to involve and attorney or any other specialist outside my realtor and lender for this to go smoothly?

It does not have to pay for itself entirely per se, but it should cover at least a big chunk of debt service.Budget is $500k-$700k(ish), and I want to be walkable to good restaurants / public transit / other amenities.

When we were dealing with transitioning to a full 'no cash' system, we just let them know their options as opposed to them letting us know ours.

A smooth talking lender who was very responsive in the beginning.

I live in the midwest here in Columbus Ohio and over the past 5 years I have seen an influx in the amount of business transitioning here.