If that isn't satisfactory speaking at a city counsel meeting about the subject would also seem appropriate. 

Then, if you decide to explore a mentoring program, you will have the background knowledge to actually evaluate it and make an informed decision, and you'll be able to speak the language and ask intelligent questions.

My residential is long term so I can't speak to MTR, but I can say it's the slowest market I've ever seen in my life right now.

In order to get there it would be good if you could keep feeding cashflow proceeds back into acquisitions, on top of your continued W2.Speaking from experience, you can manage probably 30-50 units yourself nights and weekends before you really need to hire someone.

I think the before vs after pictures really speak primarily to your experience and ability to execute a project so it can help lenders gain comfort with future projects and allow you demonstrate what level of detail you except out of your contractors.

If you want the exact process you'd need to speak directly to the planning/zoning dept and specifically ask them these questions to outline the exact process for this property. 

Dominic, I've found that participating on BiggerPockets forums, appearing on podcasts, and speaking at conferences have built trust with first-time passive investors when those forum posts, podcast discussions, and conference presentations show my experience, track record, and market knowledge to those reading, listening, or attending.This doesn't mean "selling from the stage", but instead, sharing actionable, useful information that I've gleaned from my many years of experience and from my own research. 

Quote from @JD Martin: Quote from @Benjamin Weinhart: Speaking to your item #6, I was actually told by the staff here over the phone maybe 5-6 months ago that DMing someone is fine so long as it's not a copy/paste ad and is specific to the individual.

If being optimistic I'd say I could do 4 per week on never ending conveyor belt. yes, again i am speaking in literal not theory.

Speak with a CPA specific to real estate to get assistance.As others have mentioned, cost varies depending on location.