All I can think is he’s got a beef with military folks or people with nice houses?  

The best and most delicious cut of beef IMO!

The gas left on is major, but also could be a byproduct of them not being familiar with gas stoves.

Housing prices are directly tied to housing demand, which is a byproduct of population movement.

We were considering doing cash-out refi's on 3 residential rentals to pull out about $300k to beef up our opportunity fund.  3 refi's is a pain and closing costs even through a direct lender would be about $2800 each. 

You're going to be around the nitty gritty beef of the rehab process and you'll have the opportunity to learn a TON if you keep your head on a swivel and stay curious.Don't build your life around it, but use this as a lever to get the door open and remember . . . stay humble, stay hungry, and stay interested.

How do i beef up my credibility (experience wise) to be worthy to work with other realtors

I would consider selling if you need to beef up your retirement savings.

He could only do it partially, even despite qualifying as a RE Professional, using cost seg and otherwise being in a favorable position.My beef with your cost seg peers is this unmitigated optimism that your strategy (which I love and recommend when applicable) magically wipes taxes for everyone.

If you aren't negligent you should be okay, just beef up your liability insurance.