Here in California, you need to pass an online program and you get a certificate.

I would always have a contract written even it's from an online source.

There is some multi family inventory in the area that is alright and I usually know of some coming online. 

In person events will always be superior to the best online ones man can put together.

After looking up my PM company online, I can't see much, and the social media presence shows that the company is more of a parking lot repair/build type of company.

QuickBooks Online has a great dashboard that shows cash position over time and even creates a projection.If you're aggragating income/expenses from separate tax ID's or even LLC's, you can still do it, but it's problematic.

I can certainly spend a lot of time researching and DIY, or use an affordable online service, or I can sign up with knowledgeable advisors that cost thousands.My question is how much net worth do you think one should have to justify getting the pricey advisor's service? 

Before my first payment was due, I emailed the new lender and included copies of the complaints I’d read online.

Online Lenders like Quicken or Rocket2.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.