She has three books on mid-term rentals and she does consulting work in the space.

If it was addressed to me - then no, I do not offer free consultations.

I would definitely  consult with someone in your area that is knowledgable of the landlord tenants laws locally and in the state of California.

It's important to consult with a tax professional who can advise on how these strategies align with your overall financial situation, especially considering your full-time employment and income structure.Moreover, as your portfolio grows, and particularly if one spouse can transition away from W2 employment, the landscape of your income and tax liabilities shifts.

When you begin reporting rental income on your tax return, you can consult with a tax professional or use tax preparation software to ensure you're correctly claiming all eligible deductions and depreciating the expenses appropriately.

Yes, that makes sense (in the past I've had a consulting business LLC where I passed through the loss). 

*You can only have one FHA loan at a timeI'd consult with a lender or two to give you a much deeper scope of your loan options and what makes the most sense.I am not a lender.

Always consult with your attorney before you rely on the above information.

The owner portal is limited; I can download my 1099 but not view detailed expenses.A significant issue arose recently when I explicitly documented a request for them to consult me before any tenant lease renewals.

Consulting with your CPA and discussing any concerns or questions you have about the approach can help ensure that your tax return accurately reflects your income from rental properties while minimizing compliance risks.