Your expertise and advice would hold tremendous value for us.Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

I think the more important issues are whether they have government oversight (most do not), hold funds in a separate, segregated, dual-signature Qualified Trust Account, have both the experience and expertise and are more consultative and advisory than others to help the investor get through the 1031 Exchange, and have good Fidelity Bond, Errors & Omissions Insurance, and Fiduciary insurance.  

If you're buying, usually they get paid out of a listing agreement or by the seller, so it's a low cost way to get some expertise - I realize RE brokers are all over the place on being able to help.You are putting a LOT of your own money into a transaction and entering into a legally enforceable written contract that creates obligations on the part of all parties and, in the case of a buyer, may put you in a bad position on a property or with a lender. 

I think it gives you a lot as you mentioned including instant expertise, geographic, niche and sponsor diversification.  

It absolutely amazes me how people sell their expertise to other people and they're not even that successful.

How can I effectively leverage my skills and expertise in residential design to succeed in infill development on Oahu?

I'd be more than happy to help you as this is my area of expertise.

So I’m hoping to draw on your expertise and would greatly appreciate if you could review my plan and provide feedback, e.g, change up the allocation, ditch one or more of the options, etc., all feedback is welcome.

This is why most lenders don't lend under a certain threshold.I don't believe you said anything about which areas of the country you are buying - but it appears like your expertise and positioning for cap% has led you to a specific market.

This is a great place for us to share knowledge and expertise.