When you say "we," are you speaking about your business or your personal tax returns, or does your business flow into your personal returns because you file as a sole proprietor?  

I know my personal tax accountant isn't knowledgeable enough for property investment write-offs.

I was wondering if there are any recommend in-person meetups in the LA area.

Personally I never listen to what the seller states the income is as they are sometimes way off.

I am not sure what type of real estate investing you're considering, but it sounds like, with your family and busy job, you won't have a lot of time to be hands-on or personally involved. 

Owner financing and HELOC on personal residence How did you add value to the deal?

I personally recommend checking Columbus OH - lots of job growth, population growth, and major companies moving and developing here.

I’ve met most of my partners through in-person events because it’s easier to get a feel for someone’s personality and long-term vision.

Investors want a person that they consider a good "business partner", but most of the wholesalers I see come of as borderline crimnals.

This might give a one-time (non-scalable) boost to cash flow, offer multiple value-add options, and allow the house-hacker peace of mind, via the assumed mortgage, in long-term breakeven or positive cash flow in the event that the value-add plans end up not being executed, and/or the person has to move out, and rent by the room or STR become unavailable for some reason at a future date.