FinCEN’s Small Entity Compliance Guide walks small businesses through the requirements in plain language.

I'll be happy to help if you'd like to connect, send me a connection request and I can guide you thru the process

Gave that context as I have that as experience to guide me this time.

Flipsystem support completely failed to assess the ARV and guide me through the project. 

The agreement would outline how profits, losses, and ownership interests should be divided, which will guide how you allocate the gains.  

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

This analysis will actually help you determine how much cash you need for your first deal which will guide your decision for a well paying facilities job.  

I've had negative experiences with a bad general contractor and a non-paying renter (leading to an eviction), so I'm being extra cautious in selecting the right lender this time.Could anyone recommend a trustworthy lender in the Los Angeles area who can guide me through this difficult time?

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.