However, I did not say "own free and clear" and everyone knows that we still have to pay property taxes.I was referring to being able to make a house my actual home in that I can paint, redecorate, etc. to my taste instead of keeping things generic like I expect my renters to keep my houses. 

One at a time you move into each one and live there until it's time to redecorate and then you move into the next one instead and take the tax free opportunities of sec 121 on your sale (again there's some limitations on the exemption because of the 1031 but still tax free benefit available.e.

I wouldn't say they are creative tax specialists, but they are detailed. 

Lawyers are specialist now.

I’m looking for investor friendly agents as well as a number of other specialists such as contractors, project managers etc.

He is an investor himself, and is the person that sparked my interest in the industry.I've got an attorney for some stuff, but I don't have a real estate specialist nailed down yet.

Every industry has specialists, this is generally a path taken after the student is competent in the basics of their field and go into more of an apprenticeship area.

*Disclaimer - I am a prior Claims Specialist and am a Commercial Insurance Broker

That is why the world has specialists in different areas-utilize these Professionals. 6) Your real estate investing team should consist of: A) an investor-friendly Realtor, B) a Real Estate Attorney (where real estate transactions are the focus of the practice), C) a General Contractor (Introduce yourself, your investing plan, then

You could find a  CPA  that is suitable and call your friend and  tell him now that you are getting bigger you feel you need a specialist in real estate.