Many properties are just beyond over-priced, or the ones that seem 'fair' have major issues with the deal (e.g. cashflows now, but tax abatement expires in 3-5 years).As one of my major goals for 2019 and beyond is to stop "going it alone," I've decided to reach out on BP and see if I can find a savvy real estate broker/agent with whom I can work. 

I'm a real estate broker and interior designer.

There should be lenders everywhere that will do these although your average mortgage broker doesn't do them.

@Jasi Edwards consider seeking out a local real estate attorney or broker who is knowledgeable of the zoning regulations to see if this is feasible in your area.

RCV is when you would want to ask for the replacement cost estimate of the house.Please message me directly if you would like any further explanations of how brokers find numbers for policies.

My commercial broker says they don't do prequel letters, that commercial is a different animal.

The answer to number 2 is in the listing agreement between the seller and broker.

When talking with my mortgage broker, he told me that as a 1099 contractor, I will need to show 2 years of work history in order to qualify for a pre-approval.

That is the most popular list.Find a list broker that can suggest alternative off-market leads.

Get a job - have decent credit  - and get an agent and mortgage broker that will help you negotiate the loan market and purchase so that you have to do almost no money to close (owner occupy loan).