The thing I liked best was that both properties appraised at or above the sales price...this has not been my experience with other turnkey providers.  

I am looking to gradually start buildling my team again and would appreciate solid references  for the following specifically in the Cleveland, Ohio area :- Investor friendly real estate agent - small bank lenders/ private lenderes- inspectors- appraisers- contractors Thanks in advance, and happy hunting :)

The appraiser in the area is taking the lowest property to do comparison.

Get an appraisal.

Having an experienced agent on your team before the rehab i think is very important because it is during the rehab when they can help add the most value by pointing you in the direction of what adds value to the sale, what finishes to choose and what to avoid, even what color paints are a good choice, insuring that your target sales price is not just realistic, but that it can actually appraise for that amount. 

The rehab on your primary will help with the cash out refi, there will be a new appraisal which should reflect the higher market value. 

Anything more than a small application fee ($200-$300) and maybe an appraisal ($300-$500 if residential) and I would look elsewhere.

Search the BP for ADU appraisals to encounter numerous examples.

Did the HML do an appraisal? 

But there is a timeline and an appraisal that need to be done I think.