I disagree with asking your CPA what they like unless your Tax CPA is an expert in the same specific industry you are in. 

I am considering getting into this space (looking at some courses), but worried that its too late, and that deep local market knowledge/understanding of buyers/connection with developers etc is required to make this work, which only incumbent/long term investors will have and would be hard for a new entrant starting from scratch to catch-up...is my hypothesis valid in your opinion ?

I hired my own expert and discovered these issues did not exist but that the expert the 3 buyers had brought in wanted to be hired to do the work so they blew them out of proportion.

I've often found that just going right to the expert in the space is going to be the most direct source of info.

Age: I think it will but you can minimize it by being knowledgeable, professional, confident, and fair.  

 #2 is a banger - finding a ruthless inspector will save you $1000s in conjunction with the knowledge to negotiate.

I know there’s a lot to learn, and I’m eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible.I’d love to connect with others in the Lehi/Utah County area (or beyond!)

I bought 6 unit property in Wildwood,NJ,in November 2024, doing rehab now, should be done by May 2025I am planning to subdivide 6 unit building to 6 separate condos and sell fall 2026, , if there are any experts in 1031 that can help me?!

Looking for further knowledge and excited to be on the forum!

They sound very knowledgeable and I am interested in jumping into the customized course they offer.