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

Explore remote investing options like turnkey properties or out-of-state rentals with property managers, and use summers or gap years to network, analyze deals, and gain hands-on experience.

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.Cost Segregation 101 Author: Sean GrahamHappy to answer questions :)

If you plan to expand your portfolio, forming an LLC can simplify liability protection and operations for multiple properties.Consult a CPA or legal professional to confirm your tax obligations and evaluate whether an LLC or umbrella insurance aligns best with your investment goals and risk tolerance.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Any guidance or referrals to professionals you trust would be greatly appreciated!

I actually ended up going through a big career change, and attended a 6-month bootcamp to learn Software Development after 7 years cooking professionally in fine-dining kitchens. 

Choosing a solution like that means missing out on significant opportunities to free up your time for what you do best while also foregoing the expertise of a tax professional who could provide substantial benefits—potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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

Many “wholesalers” get all excited when getting a property under contract only to discover that a thorough inspection by a knowledgable professional results in repair costs 2 - 3 times higher than they calculated. 

I imagine it can be tricky without face-to-face interaction, but it sounds like you’ve got a solid approach.Honestly, I don't have a process for establishing trust with sellers other than being polite and professional.