Blake, I've been unable to stop thinking about this since you posted it. (Actually, I couldn't remember where you posted it, so just spent a half-hour looking for it). I wanted to respond to this because I can honestly say "I've been there" and now I'm on the other end. I'm not much of a list-maker, but I do offer some advice here, based solely on my experience.
1. Commit to the dealership -- the grass is seldom greener elsewhere. Admittedly, this was easier for me as MotorWorld is CLEARLY a gem in our area. But if for this reason alone, commit to the dealership: focus your efforts on overcoming your obstacles instead of hoping to avoid them elsewhere. It really is a "Mind-Set" thing.
2. One thing my boss said to me years ago that really stuck with me: make it easy. I gave him a 3-page detailed synopsis -- he wanted a paragraph. I never forgot that. Now, I know what motivates him. If I need something, I do it ALL, then give the one-paragraph: Here's what we need to do, here's what it will cost, here's is what we'll make (ROI), and (MOST IMPORTANTLY), here's how much money we are losing while we wait. Know what your boss's motivation is -- make it easy for him to say "Yes."
3. Don't EVER say "Me" "Mine" "I." Plant the seed, and let it grow. If your bosses are like most, they really only like their own ideas. Sometimes you have to let them think that what you need is their great idea. So maybe even something as simple as, "Hey, remember when you said that Call Training gig was a bargain?" might get their mind around the concept. Or, "Big Bob really liked what you said the other day about Call Training..."
4. Be opportunistic. Or as the Boy Scouts say, "Be Prepared." ALWAYS have a plan/solution (and remember to Make it Easy and let them think they are already a part of the solution). At some point, the opportunity will arise, and you will have the answers they need -- then you pounce. How do find opportunities? LISTEN to everything.
5. Be patient. This is really tied to #1. We all see people bouncing-in and bouncing-out of dealerships. Just like Salespeople with their Clients, it takes time to build-up a relationship with your superiors. You're going to have good days and bad days, but with a plan, commitment, and patience, you can be the Answer Man you want to be.
That's really kinda the road I traveled. Other than having my Dad buy a dealership, I wouldn't know another way. 
