I'm currently in the market for a Tax Pro that can assist with my relatively basic returns and continue to assist with a tax strategy moving forward.

I have found a good market and have built a good team thus far and I'm ready for my first flip.

It's a free market. - You will finally get a tenant. 

As someone who occasionally works with these investors, I always try to emphasize the challenges that come with real estate like managing renovations, dealing with tenants, and navigating market fluctuations.

@Jim LynchSome typical minimum tenant screening requirements look like the following, but it depends on your market:-Renter has a gross monthly income of 3x more than the monthly rent-Minimum credit score of 650-Renter must have no prior evictions-No felons (or other notable criminal history)There are a number of different tenant screening softwares out there such as Zillow Rental Manager, TransUnion SmartMove, etc.Be sure to complete an employment verification by contacting the renter's employer and confirm the details they shared with you, landlord verification (if they have a previous landlord), credit check, and background check.

Has anyone here been successful in permitting a conversion?

Occasionally I'll see properties coming on the market where the seller has a VA loan with a low interest rate.  

Learn your market inside and out—know property values, motivated seller strategies, and how to analyze deals properly.

My focus is simple: helping out-of-state investors like you unlock the full potential of the Birmingham market.

One year after I used that property to pull a HELOC and this year used that money to purchase an off market 4 family property in Clinton for well under market value, which I just recently finished all of the repairs and upgrades on.