Hello everyone! 
Glad to have found BiggerPockets and looking forward to connecting with the real estate community!

Have a great week!

I'd also start talking to lenders and agents who have experience with investors and experience with the strategy you're looking to pursue.Best of luck! 

Looking for a Texas lender that can answer some questions or give opinions on doing a cash out refi on a rental property to help pay off personal debts. 

Since we are hard money lenders most of our loan requests come from commercial mortgage brokers.  

We have our agent and lawyer selected but are between two different lenders.

This team should include professionals like agents, lenders, contractors, and property managers.Lastly, connect with other investors and attend local REI networking groups and meetups.

I would talk to lenders in your state to get specific. 

learning curve is in commercial lease negotiations and challenges of “island time” contractors and professional services Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Or you can go the private placement route, investing in passive real estate syndications. 

I'd find a lender that can do deals with brand new companies and do not require seasoning, if you choose to go that route.