Any specific neighborhoods you recommend looking into—or areas to avoid?

Can anyone recommend some stand up lenders I can speak to?

As for finding a contractor, asking local investors for recommendations is a great start.

I recommend that you look at Notice of Defaults, Vacants, Tax Liens or Probate. 

Quote from @Jerome Morelos: Quote from @Robert Ellis: Quote from @Jerome Morelos: I recommend converting an existing space, like a detached garage for example, rather than building from the ground up.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

I'm not the strongest in knowing the Queen Creek market from an agent standpoint, but I have someone that I can recommend to you. 

A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

Any recommendations?