Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Professional service businesses such as offices for accountants or lawyers, with appointment-based clientele, could also thrive.

Consult with a tax professional. 

Recommendation would be to have a professional look over your situation. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

You'll have chances to put what you've learned into practice and work with other real estate professionals as your real estate career develops.

Finally, I did a lot of FSBO transactions years ago, and was always told by real estate agents that I was basically an idiot and would do SO MUCH BETTER with a "professional" representing me. 

Appraisals are done by professionals that perform a thorough analysis including location considerations, zoning, comparable sales, and any potential restrictions on development.

There is always a 3rd party mediator.

For example, if you dedicate enough time to real estate businesses and real property trades, you may qualify for the real estate professional tax status which is potentially a great way to reduce high W2 taxes.