I am looking for a CPA to give guidance on the most effective way to go about the process and work with going forward.

I'd be looking at multiple structures. we try to build below the average new build cost in our market in Columbus Ohio which is 515,000 last year and we target land 40-50k and urban core adjacent where we get higher price per square foot. we build for clients with margin around $190 a sq ft depending on multi or single. we can get that down in our triplex it's a little higher on our single family homes because of garages and limited economies of scale. hope that helps. idk Philly but if you show me the area and styles of homes I can give you some more insights. 

The underwriting process is certainly more arduous than most acquisitions but through my personal experiences some of the lenders are far more knowledgeable about the requirements and make for a far easier process for both seller and buyer.

My wife and I are in the process of starting a stem education center and I have leased a 1,200 sqft space that is apt for that which is at an upcoming shopping area. 

you can't really micromanage tenants.All you can do is create systems with some flexibility.Again, if you read how we charge our Processing Fees, they encourage the behavior we want, while discouraging (via fees) the behavior we do not want. 

What is the standard process from start to finish so we can eliminate as much risk as possible?

Check out Norada Capital with a simple no fees structure and 12-15% annual yield depending on how much you invest.  

Portfolio Loans – Also, community banks and credit unions offer portfolio loans to finance many properties under one loan structure.

Make sure it explicitly explains the process for termination if you are unhappy with their services, especially if they violate the terms of your agreement.3.

What I would like to are some reading recommendations for learning the meat and potatoes on the processes of completing rehabs, and the processes of working with contractors?