Welcome to the site @Lavonn LewisThere is so much information here, between the blogs, podcasts, and ability to reach out to more experienced investors.I was in your shoes about 18 months ago, with my credit subpar & not much money saved.

We aren't committed to switching CPAs at this point, but the thought keeps coming back to us of wishing we had a little more so we've decided to see what other options there are.As far a local or non-local, I don't care about their physical presence as long as they are able to handle the state and local taxes.Our ideal CPA would be more like a business adviser rather than just a tax preparer.

As a new investor there is so much for me to think about, finding the right property, financing, and, above all, overcoming my fear so I can take that initial step forward.  

as far as the money, do appraisers check with code enforcement?

The jury is still out, as far as I'm concerned. 

The helicopter school has added a lot as far as taking up apartments and adding to the economy. 

I will go as far as saying any business that doesn't use online social media as their main tool right now is bound to regret it once major corporations and Fortune 500 companies start shifting their HUGE ad budgets towards the same thing. 

I was still waiting on my ex wife to refi the house (she kept it) so I knew i'd need to put closing as far as possible to make sure the bank could process everything as I'd need the refi money for the downpayment here.The seller accepted my offer and 2 days later a water heater blew up on them and apparently the tenant they were in the process of evicting did not notify them.

Also the local rental market is so strong I do feel you will do fine not allowing pets.Good Luck!

As far as area, what kind of cash flow were you looking for?