Being a broker myself, I can attest to the incredible value you can bring to clients by understanding not only the brokering side of things, but the application of those funds. 

I had a couple clients lock in just recently at 7.1% on 10-30 unit deals.

By and large, QI's have very high ethical standards, and are sometimes overlooked as the engines of this tax saving tactic.]REPUTATION MARKERS 📊INDUSTRY STANDINGMembership in professional organizationsLeadership roles in FEAEducational contributions to the industryRelationships with major title companiesCLIENT RELATIONSHIPS 👥Testimonials from CPAs and attorneysReferences from title companiesLong-term client relationshipsTransparent fee structuresRELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS 🚩Overly familiar with your realtor/brokerKickback arrangements (illegal!)

I've been self-employed for only 6 months, and loans are proving difficult to come by despite my great credit (not to brag, I'm moreso frustrated and seeking help).

You might also meet title agents who have resources on, say, foreclosures or probates…and might recommend lenders who actually lend on more difficult projects (as the title companies also know which lenders can close and which are difficult).I also go visit open houses to see what sorts of finish to put on my renovations or to look for the next house or area in which to purchase.  

Avoid C-Corps, as they incur double taxation.Use LLCs for rentals and consider an S-Corp election for flips if income justifies the additional complexity.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

These are difficult decisions.

I recommend Stessa to all my retail clients.  

Always interested in hearing more for either myself or clients looking.

I ran your numbers in my own deal analyzer that I use for my clients that I want to share with you.