However, the one CPA I briefly talked to said the investment would be treated as passive.

I recommend sticking to one.

Which one is more appealing - continuing to own the house or the security of that much cash/liquidity?

Ex, can't get one through Chase bank here, but went to our local Credit Union.

Do you know any good ones in the Phoenix area? 

@Brittney Yang first red flag is it doesn’t sound like he’s that interested in long term holds but the primary reason for partnership is expertise in renovation and secondary reason is balance sheet and income to help get financing.Regarding reason one, I would offer to compensate him for his time in assisting you and have a very clear scope of what that responsibility is.  

That's a great way to get introduced to a lot of agents and the new ones all in one place.

Hello Friends,I own a 1982-built ground-level condo (one unit above, one below).

When they sign the lease, it is one of the five key points highlighted on the first page that they have to initial.

He then had a mentor that taught him one-on-one to invest in real estate.