We did not need help in deciding what our investment niche would be; we needed help in creating and implementing a tax strategy plan for a married couple composed of a high-income earner and a real estate agent and business owner.A few weeks after paying the $25k, we set up our first meeting with our assigned CPA and started the so-called “advanced tax courses” provided, which are generic modules that only vaguely introduce financial concepts, topics, and terminology.

I wouldn't listen to little time agents who have sold 10 deals a year for 5 years.

It was "not a lucrative investment" according to another agent

As an agent and investor I see a lot of newer investors make the same mistake:They saved up some cash and want to immediately buy an investment.

 $500 does not seem unbelievable, but if he is his own insurance agent, he may have gotten a favor done on his own policy.

- How do I lower the expectations of the owners children (they are adults) after the previous agent listed it at Zillow's full estimated price - despite the fact that nothing has been done to the house since their father/the widows husband died some years back.

Do your research, pick a strategy that feels comfortable, find an agent that knows that strategy, look at some homes, run some numbers and then buy. 

I'd recommend reaching out to lenders on BP (see find a lender tab) as well as asking for recommendations from your real estate agent.

I'm an investor and agent, also here in Miami.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?