These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

He comes with high praise and knows several people in both my personal and professional network but I want to make sure I'm aware of any conflicts of interest this can bring about.

If you are organized, present yourself in a professional way, and speak intelligently (i.e. you understand how the HELOC works amongst other forms of bank financing), someone will take you seriously.

I could voice call, chat, make offers, ask questions, prospect, etc..IT professionals also have been getting more opportunities to work from home. 

I am a relatively seasoned real estate professional with experience as a broker, property manager, investor, syndicator, attorney and urban planner...and I like to think I have at least a sense of the CA market from multiple perspectives.

They are also required to take continuing education to keep their license.I think you should choose your tax professional on his/her experience in the area of taxation(real estate) that you are looking for.I would choose an EA with 5 years of experience in Real estate than a CPA who does not practice in real estate taxation.Please be mindful that most accountants will say that they deal with your type of tax return in hopes of keeping your business.

I am a Semi-Conductor professional(PhD) with two small kids and as such all of my time is used and the option of a more active investment is very difficult for me. 

I just want to be a professional as possible.

As far as disclosures, just get in the practice of adding “one or more parties to this transaction is a licensed real estate professional” to all of your contracts, where you are acting as a principal and not (just) a broker/agent.

Readers are advised to seek professional advice.