If it is owned 'free and clear' then you have a large asset that an attorney representing someone would be happy to sue you over.I personally like the advice of @Scott Smith (Bigger Pockets Podcast Show 109) when he recommends utilizing 3 LLCs.  1 as an operating company doing all the paperwork (leases, etc.), 1 to hold your buy & hold properties, and 1 to hold any flips that you do.  

Now, what I can't get my head around, is whether or not these trends represent a "bubble".  

I represent (and mentor) a number of real estate investors, involved in tax foreclosures, bank REO's and foreclosures, seller financing sales and related transactions. 

Some of the most popular markets that are well represented here on bigger pockets areKansas CityIndianapolisMemphisClevelandBirmingham

My partner is a licensed realtor but during every wholesale deal he clarified that he is not representing his broker during the deal.

It still sounds like a possible deal but I would count on splitting 30kThere isn't many ways around paying a buyer's agent their 3% unless of course, your wife was representing the buyer as well.

Maybe have a personal card that represent me as the property manager not the owner.  

Also we only learned recently through this process that the agent and broker were representing both FNMA and us.   

The agent usually must disclose to you in advance who they represent.  

It is likely that the representative was explaining that the loan is due within 60 days of separation from your employer.