As an invetsment-friendly agent (based out of Houston, TX), I’ve seen how the right professional will help you analyze cash flow, manage comforatble contractor bids, and even drive for dollars if you want a broader look at potential comps or deals in the neighborhood.

Utilizing the many resources to analyze deals and help find investor friendly professionals in your area has helped me tremendously.  

At this time the primary goal is passive income and then scale within 5 years as I gain more experience and network. 

Readers should seek professional advice.

Going live as a STR in 2 weeks Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Quote from @Jaren Taylor: Quote from @Stuart Udis: Depending on the transaction sizes you are pursuing, raising money to purchase property without debt requires either an incredible network of relationships or devoting a lot of time and effort to raising money.

Here is a newly created resource on BiggerPockets, which touches out cost segregation, accelerated depreciation, bonus depreciation, depreciation recapture, Real Estate Professional Status (REPS), STR Loophole / STR Strategy, example properties, and more. 

I have over 30 years professional experience so not taking anything personal.You have corrected nothing. 

As others noted, you are likely limited in what you can legally do anyways, so you won't be saving a ton, and depending on how you value your time, it will likely be cheaper to higher professionals to do it anyways.

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