I understand that these rules vary depending on the state, but any thoughts on this?

I'm in Los Angeles, so keep in mind it may vary by market.

Experiences will vary significantly based upon location.

While the cost can vary depending on the scope, zoning, and materials, I’ve seen similar projects run anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on factors like plumbing, electrical upgrades, and structural work.If you’d like, I can connect you with a few contractors or architects in Chicago who specialize in basement conversions.

Most lenders will vary how aggressive they will get based on the experience of the operator (you), but I don't know any that will lender to someone who's never done a spec build like you're contemplating.

Employees vary wildly with regard to performance and value to the company.  

Events like this give the opportunity to meet and talk to investors from all over the country, doing different kind of investing, and with a varied amount of experience.

They simply do Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

I have seen all sides of this equation, self managing my own properties locally, but moved with the Navy 1000 miles away and managed the same rentals from afar, and had friends here in Memphis that had 18 properties and had them all with PMs with varying levels of success, some bad and some great.Self-managing brings about an additional level of responsibility that most of the time is fine, but that is not what you hire a PM for.

Prices will certainly vary between different tax firms.