Need to work on the math a bit, but open to any advice. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

You have been given valuable advice from multiple angles here.

Here is a newly created resource on BiggerPockets, which touches out cost segregation, accelerated depreciation, bonus depreciation, depreciation recapture, Real Estate Professional Status (REPS), STR Loophole / STR Strategy, example properties, and more. 

@Troy SmithThe advice you received is correct.

Quote from @Michael James Hamlin: We just moved to Baldwin county and we are looking to network/partner up with other professionals in new construction, fix and flip or commercial.

Age: I think it will but you can minimize it by being knowledgeable, professional, confident, and fair.  

PMC is the professional that will have the most alignment with your goals - agents, lenders, inspectors, etc., are ONLY transaction based.A PMC has to deal with your property, tenants & maintenance EVERY DAY until you sell or terminate them.A great PMC can provide contractors and also check out properties for you. 

Rather than how a professional would answer. 

Not the ones the gurus throw, but professional conferences that they hedge funds attend.