Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Sounds like you’re a professional in everything you do.   

After that I made the full commitment and eventually became an experienced investor.

That may not apply to you, as a financial professional, but I thought I would share the story.Obiously you could re-lever your portfolio to bring the ROE back up, but then you have to place those borrowed funds somewhere that nets a high enough return that the portfolio is ahead, given the drag of the interest and any transaction fees.    

the event i went to in tampa last year at a resort had security but I think the other Mendenhall brother that no longer works there oversaw it they seemed professional and were ex military type guys..two k9 dogs were there. 

When I purchased my first property in 2020, I feared then that COVID would cause a downturn, but I was thinking longterm and got "lucky"Many experienced investors I speak to have the same few regrets 1) I wish I started sooner2) I wish I bought more3) I wish I never sold

My hope is to build a strong network of like minded investors and real estate professionals that share similar goals, values, and experiences to help achieve successful REI deals!

The buyer decides where they want professional help, and what steps they want to do themselves.Have you found anyone offering flat fee buyer brokerage/agency in your area?

You could rent to young professionals or to families.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.