We overcharge on an appraisal to make sure we are in compliance with disclosing, if it comes back less then you will just get the difference back.

Set your metrics and your pass & fails, then once it all checks out don't hesitate to pull the trigger and TAKE ACTION!

Hey BP,Me and my wife have been researching real estate investing and rental properties/landlordship for a little over year, and we're looking to pull the trigger!

I just want to make the wisest use of my time preparing in order to help increase my chances of success and returns when I pull the trigger.

It does not help you find deals more easily, and the training you get as a realtor is all about compliance which doesn't help with investing.

Once the entity is in place, your attorney will help with legal advice and future structuring, while the CPA will assist with tax strategy, compliance, and automating your accounting system.There are several pricing structures out there - flat fees, hourly, and value pricing. 

If we were to refinance with the same lender, would that trigger it? 

I don’t want to trigger a large deposit into my bank account during the loan process from him, so can he just pay my heloc directly is all I’m asking.

Don't be afraid to pull the trigger on your first deal as long as the numbers make sense.

You can start looking now for a property, if the numbers are good enough to allow you to pay the early lease termination and still make a reasonable (for your standards) return, then by all means, pull the trigger early, if not, then that is additional risk to the deal.