However, my last email to him went unanswered, which speaks volumes.

So can't speak to that.

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.

I have been speaking to some real estate broker in central / upstate NY who is saying that a lot of single family homes get bought with cash because banks don't want to loan houses with low prices such $30-60K. 

Jocko Willink speaks to the power of naps as well. 

I'll definitely be speaking with the Carls when the time comes!  

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/654276-charlotte-nc-metrolina-reia-2019-tax-changes-and-how-it-impactsLocal real estate  expert CPA KI Shin will be speaking at the Metrolina REIA , details in link

I wanted to know has anyone had some positive experiences with the "others" so to speak.

I'll speak to the question about the PMs:A great property manager is amazing, and a terrible one will wreck your business.

I did speak with our attorney before hand and he basically said he’d be happy to do it for a fee, but he also advised me to go to the state website and fill out the form and pay $50 rather than pay him $1500 for the same result.