Wouldn't hurt to consult a tax pro just to make sure there isn't a more tax effective strategy but I don't think lending provides any tax shelter.

Gas-meter-gas provider.  

Found T&H realty services to be pretty interesting as they provide both buyer brokerage service (to help me find deals) as well as do property management i.e. they are not full turnkey provider necessarily, but reduces some of the hassle for me I guess as an out of state investor. 

@Sung Yu You can 1031 exchange your fourplex into a single-family home, provided it’s initially used as an investment property (rented for 1–2 years) to meet IRS requirements.

With the amount of support they provide I am not against settling for an 8/10 deal. 

Most lending is based on cashflow, not the 2% rule (although still a good rule of thumb for some types of investments), might have the most help from the group if you provided some of those details here just so it'd be easier for us to help you best. 

I don't want to waste anyone's time providing quote after quote for me for the properties I am merely in the analysis stage with.

You may want to make an introduction between your CPA to those 2 colleagues.The CPA can go over their services and pricing to your colleagues.I partner with many people on real estate deals - It never gets to a discussion on whether they do their own tax return or hire a professional.If a partner mentions he will provide capital - does he provide the capital on a timely manner.If a partner mentions he will find deals - does he find many deals and provide an analysisIf a partner mentions he will manage a property - does he manage the property well(find tenants, collect rent, communicate with contractors, etc)

We don't tend to get them when buying from a bank (because they usually won't budge on price) or wholesaler (who often provide an inspection) but do our own thorough inspection. 

As for non-bank loans, I'm familiar with a loan program that provides 100% financing, but it requires a minimum 650 credit score and proof of funds covering 12 months of interest.