Have a 2 and 5 year old and trying to balance with my husband and my w2 travel schedule as well! 

Most of my CFO clients for the markets where they own properties, they either 1) grew up in the area, 2) have family and/or friends in the area, or 3) they travel to the market frequently.

When my work travel slows down I might give you a ring for that coffee

I need a CPA and had a quick consult but haven’t found someone I love.

I would factor in time to travel to any market, but AZ is relatively quick compared to the east coast. 

Sounds like you have a plan to consult with some brokers and expose it to the open market. 

We can also walk and lose EM (and the money we've put into inspections and PE consultation.)

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

Consider consulting a CPA and attorney to address tax implications, liability, and ensure proper documentation for your multifamily investment partnership.

We have about 22 full-time W2 employees in the office, approximately 40 traveling construction folks -- and managers and maintenance W2 employees at each community we own and operate.