I would keep detailed records of my deals to include photos that I could use later when I am approaching a potential funding partner.

I’d also recommend getting a few quotes, including at least one from a mortgage broker.  

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases.

It would/could be only 15% capital gains tax and yes you could/would deduct all selling costs including commissions and transfer taxes.

The good news is that there are plenty of great CPAs out there including on these forums.We did have a conversation with him, which is why we selected him in the first place.

Would you share 3 specific things I should do during my "training period" (if it includes a book, which one)?

Include in your model rates going up by 2%, and just make sure you enough cash to cover. 

This was a cost-effective way to meet our requirement of providing just a stove and refrigerator (we don’t include washers or dryers), without breaking the bank further.But here’s the twist: If we were upgrading appliances for a long-term tenant with a stellar payment history, we might invest in brand-new appliances.

But if you're able to figure it out and get it built, you can rent out the units and essentially BRRRR it and pull some/all of your equity out to repay your debts, yourself, and potentially keep the investment cycle going. 

As I studied earlier, the first thing you should do is marketing, then get a call and do a property analysis to understand if it's profitable for you, then meet with the seller and sign all the necessary papers, then if there is a debt in the bank we do a reinstatement quote, then do a title search to check if there are any hidden debts, if everything is fine we look for an investor or flipper and sign an assignment of contract with him and wait for closing to get our money.