The down side to that is that once you assign your property to an agent the listing is with them for a given amount of time regardless of the success or lack thereof you will have in selling your house or houses. 

Apples and oranges. 

Requesting a change of form is unnecessary and clearly demonstrates a lack of professionalism or ignorance about contracts on the part of the agent. 

I haven't run the math but I bet that would work.The downsides are the lack of parking and the fact that the other tenants and condo assoc. might object.

You know, compare apples to apples, price existing properties on the market now so you can compare that to your estimated or calculated cost of new construction. 

Compare apples to apples by seeing what the furnace guys offer in terms of size and BTUs and all that stuff and then check out the big box stores to see who has the best price.

Perhaps try to find a partner who has the money, but lacks the time and experience to do the deals himself.

Our taxes could rise no matter where we invest, our property values could drop drastically, our market could experience a lack of jobs and renter demand.  

Once you sign up with them, you will notice the lack of motivation to help, and it seems you become a bother to them.

What you lack in capital and experience you can definitely make up for passion and consistent drive.