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

I personally invest in the North Dallas area (Prosper/Celina) where there is lots of growth in homes with nice lots.

Don't spend time looking for something that doesn't exist. also in the US you cannot sue the police.. unless its a direct assault on your person. your wasting your time.. 

And does the person doing the labor get paid or only the materials paid for by the partnership?

There is a big difference in how those are handled  HAHA I just saw a post and commented where the person wanted to ask if they should overpay for a home because they can get is seller financing.

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

As a neighbor, personally I don't care if someone smoke a little weed every now and then, but if they are smoking non stop 25 times a day, you might lose a good tenant over that. 

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.

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

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?