For the down payment at 5%, I'm still learning about the lending process but I'm looking to somehow be able to put less than 20% down to lower my investment basis. 

If I bought it in 2019, the place won't be ready till 2020, I would not expense things in 2019, but capitalize it into the cost basis of the house.I've been doing this for over 35 years, had the same CPA for over 25.

They will be able to go deeper than simply identifying issues with the structures themselves, and will be able to identify where management can improve maintenance on a regular and timely basis.  

In any case, for fun and indulgence, let us do a quick calculation 🤗: 5 houses bought at, say, 200k all-cash basis (simple math): $1,000,000 initial outlay (I remember the save + work income then buy)At $5,0000 a month with the $1M gone, you get about 6% annualized return for your money (5k x 12 = 60k a year [without any other expenses]). 

When evaluated on the basis of these factors, Kansas City is strong.

From experience what are some things that investor need help with on a daily basis that someone new like me could help out with for free?!?

All improvements increase your basis, which will reduce your gain when you sell. 

Pitch yourself to the headfunds working not just on a fee or commission basis but with some equity or skin in the game.Finally you should consider commercial property as well because once residential is tapped out the next thing to do is create commercial spaces to serve the new residents.Whatever you do don't wait because it's already too late

Is there some way that I can provide that evidence rather than the capital gains being averaged out on an annual basis from the time that I bought the house originally? 

That's the basis for whether the project will work or not and if not, walk away.