And I feel the ideal portfolio can benefit from the diversification of both.1) Holdfolio isn't a match for me, personally (due to not enough experience, skin in the game, etc).

I am willing to personally guarantee the lease.

Looks like you have a ton of experience and will be a good asset to this group! 

Well, I can say from my personal experience owning only A/B located properties, if you maintain all appropriate licenses, take care of your properties, and are responsive to your tenants its smooth sailings.

Call 3 references:  Verify that they work there, or that it is an actual person by asking where they work first, and don't mention who you are until after.  

I want to make sure I’m as prepared as possible before diving in.Thanks in advance for any advice or personal experiences you can share!

If this is a project for you and you are newer to flipping I would have a seasoned person/mentor help you through this that has done it in the city for example @Joshua Janus as he mentioned it did it.

Do you all have any in-person meet ups?

PM me and I'll send you their contact person or you can google them.

I only recently became licensed, so I would have a long way to go in order to comply with the 2-year experience requirement, but I have been an active investor for 5 years so I am wondering if I would fall within the 3 year exemption, below:- Have at least two years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or at least three years of experience in the general real estate field or a combination of both- Meet the minimum points required for the experience type (e.g., buying and selling your own property, managing property owned by your employer)Thanks in advance!