In my experience the underwriters submit similar if not identical rates and compete on service. 

Is there any other major players left that will do this at competitive costs? 

With syndications you guys get to be a part of a bigger party and while it takes away a bit of the drive your own ship independence, it also puts you in partnership with some experienced market players. 

Hi everyone - 
First post on Bigger Pockets! Really excited to connect with everyone. I recently started my own syndication and have a small tight team that helps me with my underwriting, remodels, and asset manageme...

@Andrew DanielsYou can't call yourself a CPA if you are currently studying to become one...Regarding your question - If you are going to do it full-time, just know that you are competing in a profession where people are doing it 40+ hours.Maybe go in knowing you won't make a lot of money but for a learning experience.

If you're competing with cash and conventional, FHA 203k will be less competitive.3.

But I am not too sure if my current attorney is doing a good job, so I want to seek out a second opinion or maybe even switch to a more competent attorney.

@Carnet Williams Your thinking about the new construction property not being competition is absolutely correct because both properties will be competing for different tenant bases. 

That could take potentially take forever to find one, and win the bid against other competing buyers.

It will cost some money and take consistent effort but it can result in much better deals in the end as it will just be you and the seller negotiating, and no real estate agents telling the seller what it's "really" worth, no competing offers from other buyers, etc.If you're not already aware of them, the Bigger Pockets podcast is a great resource, as is the BP Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing.