I mean in general what sort of expert should I try finding first, but if someone has specific people in mind who deal with the UP that works for me too.

go to all the networking events you can. get around like minded individuals. read read read. always take in good information. then take action. best lessons are from action.

You will always have to be an asset manager of your property manager as your property manager is not a mind reader for your investment strategy decisions. 

Paying off the note is what helps.. in my mind and how I did my sub tos  I would never buy just because of low downpayment or interest rate.. there HAD to be big equity upside DAY ONE.. other wise its just a PITA

I have come to realize I need to use a good and fair contract with a meeting of the minds.

It sounds like you have a solid plan in mind for house hacking in Tucson.

And just the other day, I was grabbing coffee with a friend who reps a group of invsetors out in San Antonio.. they got burned early on by not clarifying their rental criteria, picking up a triplex that sounded good on paper but turned out to have a revolving door of problematic tenants.A baseline business plan isn’t just a mind-numbing exercise.. it’s the guardrail that keeps your momentum from swerving off into the ditch.

Keep in mind refinancing costs typically range from 2%-5% of the loan amount, so weigh the upfront costs against the long-term savings to see what works best for your goals.Good luck!

if you don't mind me asking, who was your lender.

Two potential solutions I have in my mind are:1.