That being said, if you are doing a non-income based loan, then you wouldn't have an issue qualifying still.

Most LLCs are set up for liability protection or similar non-tax reasons, and especially in CA, the penalties for "non authorized" practice of law are steep that a lot of CPAs will not even form the LLC for their clients. 

@Dennis BoettjerI know a guy who does this with note investing and has a min $5000 investment and is open to non accredited investors.

It may limit attic space, however you should have plenty of room for Airhandlers, Waterheaters, etc. in the non-living area of the home on the ground floor.

Perhaps they offer a favorable refinance option if the property has appreciated to the point where the current loan amount satisfies their non physician loan LTV underwriting.

Pretty solid points here, I would also like to add refinancing with a non-traditional DSCR based loan can assist with getting access to cash quickly as there are many lenders that have a lower seasoning requirement. 

Should I be prioritizing finding a local expert, or are there tools and strategies I can use to handle this process myself?

And the only "client" reviews I've seen mention that their customer service is non responsive and difficult to get a hold of once you're purchased their services.

Not to get too into the weeds, when you are face to face with someone, you can watch for mannerisms and non-verbal body language. 

This ongoing relationship can be invaluable for investors looking to scale their operations and build a successful real estate portfolio.In conclusion, a good private money broker acts as a vital partner for real estate investors, providing tailored financing solutions, expert guidance, and ongoing support.