It might be that this couple that owns the house is just getting their feet wet with having someone else managing the property and they want to get comfortable with your management style as being what they want.

Whether you need a CPA with just three rentals depends on the complexity of your situation and your comfort level with DIY tax prep.If things are pretty straightforward, you might be fine with tax software for now.

Hi Sean, I wouldn't rush into anything that you are not comfortable with the numbers.  

So, I would always be wanting to use an appropriate amount of leverage to maximize my investments over the long haul. 2.

That said, you have to be comfortable with your risk tolerance - are you going to keep yourself up at night? 

Then, over time, probably a few months, start to determine who you would feel comfortable doing a deal with.

The answer to this will come down to comfort level, funds available, and strategy you are looking to implement. 

I suspect maximizing the investment might make it slightly less desirable as an owner or at least the renovations might have lower ROI if sold to a homeowner.

I think the before vs after pictures really speak primarily to your experience and ability to execute a project so it can help lenders gain comfort with future projects and allow you demonstrate what level of detail you except out of your contractors.

And there are landlords who only care about maximizing profit and nothing else.