It is easy to find an accountant, but it is not easy to find a professional accountant.

Inspections are typically done by licensed professionals like structural engineers, architects, or certified building inspectors.

They have very professional products, usually for less than $10 and with instructions on how to use the product.

On the other hand, true private lenders are not professional lenders and hedge fund type lenders (which is what hard money lenders are), but instead are regular people in your circle and sphere of influence.

If it's managed well by a professional, you are more likely to succeed, grow an appreciation for it, and maybe take over management some day. 

Readers should seek professional advice.

Quote from @An Lan: I am not a professional real estate investor, I just invest in houses as a safe asset and do not choose to rent them out.

It is important that you hire professionals who have experience working with foreign investors.

I understand this may prevent me from getting the absolute best terms on a HML, so I'll turn to professional before I settle on a lender, but I'd like to start the shopping process on my own.

If you want to find out how much equity you have to see if that’s an option for you, connect with a real estate agent and ask for a professional equity assessment report (PEAR).Who knows, you may find out you have enough equity to buy your next place outright– and with today’s mortgage rates, not having to take out a home loan is pretty incredible.