What is likely happening is that your buyer signed an agreement with that agent and they will now be responsible to pay their agent's commission and they are asking you to cover that cost.

The wires were twisted together, covered in electrical tape and about to be buried in the wall.

@Cameron PriceAs to your question about entity structuring and establishing a Solo 401k, that is a good question that likely gets beyond what could easily be covered on a web forum.The 401k plan is established by an employer.  

Clearly I wouldn't qualify for another mortgage now, but how much better is my position next year if I can show new income to cover 75% of the monthly debt? 

These quotes are for a commercial policy (can you cover an LLC property with a personal policy?).

Your plan is not bad but make sure you can cover your obligations.

My brokerage is in Norwell and we cover everything (except the Cape and islands) from Worcester County east to the coast.I work with several flippers as well as buy & hold investors.

You can find very detailed blog posts and podcasts covering this aspect of real estate investing.

In Exchange for allowing us access to these funds:My wife and I will continue to rent out the home and cover all utilities and the mortgage. 

Now that's covered I'll get paid one of two ways, either by you paying me out 2.5%-3% on top of what they seller is letting you have the place for OR you can pay me later, when the house is brought to market, at a higher % which is NOT evenly split with the buyer's agent.