You'll notice a lot of the BP who are super successful,have tons of $$ and tons of properties, most I've observed are cut and dry-- what's on the lease, and what's your state law on it?  

Do not cut any corners just to make something look better on paper but not in actuality.  

I know this edges into the "Starting Out" section of the forums.

Imagine this scenario, you hired your friend plumber and in the way of his plumbing cuts a joist which leads to structural damage and you go to your insurance to claim repair money.

1st his bank has to be okay with paying the wholesale cost. 2 . trust the owner will cut you a check at closing.I would call the title company you work with and they will know the exact steps.I just closed my first wholesale this way!!!!!!!!!!!  

Your friends problem is not your problem.Concentrate on getting the property at the lowest possible cost and cut your friend lose.

It was a little too rough around the edges (junkyard dog chained in the backyard, empty liquor bottles everywhere, someplace I wouldn't want my fiancee alone) but I'm thinking along the same lines as you

Copy, cut, paste. 

Would I be able to offer less by cutting out realtor and their fees?

I know the general feeling on the forums is either (1) fire him / cut your losses or (2) suck it up and move forward as some of it is my mistake for not insisting on receiving the plan (god knows if they're even following a construction plan).