Initially I’m looking for properties/listing (multi-unit or apartments), contractors, real estate attorneys, real estate wholesalers, and other partners that can collaborate.

I would prioritize finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local.There are 20+ accountants on this message board who specialize in real estate taxation.

If you can't do it all right away prioritize the common areas and try to lose carpet.

I would prioritize finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local.There are 20+ accountants on this message board who specialize in real estate taxation.

Insurance has a thing about fire where it's kind of prioritized to the top as a type of loss. 

Become the bank and sell your property on terms and it's customary for the buyer to absorb Taxes, Insurance and Repairs.You'd have to decide what you fancy the most and prioritize in that order.

Turnover, and management of tenants might be a major concern to an investor and thereby choose to prioritize that over maximizing profits.  

I would prioritize finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local.There are 20+ accountants on this message board who specialize in real estate taxation.

Appraisers tend to prioritize home sales over HELOCs.

@Nick RuffiniI am NOT an SEC attorney BUT that sounds like a slippery slope.Find a team of operators that allow qualified sophisticated investors to participate in their syndications.506b allows you and you friend to invest (separately &/or together) and it's 100% above board if you qualify as sophisticated.Really get to know each-other (it goes both ways), build confidence and trust over time; learn the business inside and out and when they present an opportunity that's aligned with your criteria - invest alongside of them.The SEC requires them to have a substantive preexisting relationship before collaborating on an investment.