She does not want to live in the house so we are trying to figure out a reasonable strategy for leveraging the house to buy a property that is in a more desirable location. 

I have 14 homes at this time and looking to buy more.

What would be the best option to make sure realtors will be paid in a wholesale transaction (listing or buying agents)?

You could buy about a $1,200,000 apartment complex here and that would be about 10-15 units. 

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

I read about people who purchase a property, obtained some equity, and used the HELOC on that property to buy their next.

I do believe it will help, giving me access to the MLS and can run comps and have knowledge of the market.Also, will be looking to house hack and buy and holds if I can get all the pieces to fall together.Will be attending meetups to network.Will be searching for my own deals with some local realtors.

The seller signed a contract that MIGHT have said “if anyone that looked at the house while we have this contract ends up buying your home you owe me a commission.”  

What I have found is if you go directly to owners and talk about their needs you can often fit them within your buy box.