I would say that the value he brings is finding the deals, doing an initial diligence, having a local team set up for renovations/repairs/property management as well as knowledge of the neighborhood.

Use your superior knowledge, experience and analytical ability to spot something in a property being offered for sale that everyone else has missed.  

Zeona is a prolific real estate agent with a ton of knowledge, she has been an Airbnb host since 2012 she has over ten years of being a short-term rental property manager and consultant.

If you prove you have the knowledge to help there, people will DM you without you having to ask.

Look for some of those to go in as an LP (limited partner) and learn and grow your knowledge, skills and investment money so you'll be ready for the next accredited deal. 

Or put in your interest rate here, and your loan balance there.The art is where I think most people struggle, and I don't think this can really be done without real world knowledge.  

Are there any knowledgeable mortgage or finance brokers in the Houston area who have expertise in similar transactions?

Thankfully in time.

I want to ask ya'll seasoned investors if you were starting out today where would you start investing with all the experience and knowledge you have now?

I've also met him in person and I found him to be knowledgeable and genuine.