Birdy,
1-Targeted shops can indeed be a PITA, but only if the MSC forbids asking for the specific agent.
2-A recorded call also can be a PITA, as, although there is a record of what transpired, a written report is still necessary and the call must be from you to the target, as opposed to leaving a message.
3-I would guess my shortest report at 45 minutes, with the longest at 1 hr. 51 mins. The reason I know that time was on my first job for a new client, I would always note to determine my rate for the future.
4-If you are satisfied with the fee, that is what matters. I completed my first community in 2005, but as many have frozen or even reduced fees, I have not completed a regular apt. shop in 3 years; I shifted to individual living retirement shops that were willing to pay my charges.