Securing a good lender can greatly accelerate your real estate investing journey.

People have been dropped by insurance companies in wildfire areas and had to scramble to try to find insurance - some using California Fair Plan. 

I would manage at first to learn the ropes, and then probably use a management company. 

Also note that my company will possibly either cover closing costs if we sell or provide property management for two years if we rent.

You can put a mortgage into a "trust: without triggering a due on sale but again contacting your bank/lender is the best route to avoid any issues.Some banks/lenders or servicing companies change guidelines and even a trust may require other paperwork but the attorney usually facilitates that to be safe.  

(you need to differentiate when a Mark Spain type company is running radio ads to attract business for themselves from it actually helping you out)4) Our TEAM or BROKERAGE has sold "X" homes!

Most cost segregation study companies provide the quote for free.

If I have no mortgage the cash flow is more secure.

Nothing you mention is "ordinary" and you should charge for all of it. dodged a bullet there thats a very good price take it from the security deposit and call yourself lucky. 

Are you using a PM company?