I also would ask at city hall if there are any tenant organization or group in the area that could help you.

You don't have to work for a corporate conglomerate if you like accounting - there's lots of public and private entities to work for, socially active organizations, etc.

What system can I use, instead of inventing my own, to organize myself to get to the closing table?    

@Jacob Reilly helps organize it.

As a new investor, I also took the liberty of researching this firm and read less than favorable reviews for this organization.

I see how focused and organized you are, it's just a matter of time before you wrap up your first deal.  

Study the data, follow the local business news, look at future job growth projections, talk to the economic development committee or organization.  

@Shelly Forte organizes a BP NW Chicagoland Meetup every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is a non-profit organization that was originally established under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to set accounting rules for business entities to ensure standard reporting requirements.

start slow and grow organically.