Many tax preparers simply take the information given to them and enter it in the tax return. 

For eg. to use Excel you need two things, Microsoft Office and an Excel file where you customize and enter your data.

If a maintenance request comes in, enter it into all three systems to see which one works best.

Also if we enter into any mortgage we would have to put down between 20-25% as investors.

Does anyone have a routine they do before entering a vacant house?

Your partner's CPA should be able to enter the exchange in their tax program and defer the tax. 

Think about the price point you want to enter.

In my experience it depends on zip code, type of property (SFR, duplex, fourplex, more-plex, etc), price of property and amount of down payment - beyond just what you listed.Your best bet is to go to bankrate.com and check there by entering your info.

Regarding seeing if he is legit, go to sunbiz. org > search records > and then enter his name under Officer/Registered Agent to see what entities he is involved in.

There are actually 4 separate contracts at play here.Buyer - SellerSeller - Listing AgentBuyer - Buyers AgentListing Agent - Buyers AgentThe seller cant enter into a contract with the buyers agent to reduce their commission.