So, some ideas would be:* take some additional courses/webinars, etc on how to obtain appraisal business, especially private appraisal work (from attorneys, cpa's, direct from homeowners, hard-money lenders, etc).

Think of your rental as a money generating engine… every month it is rented it kicks out $1600 for you.  

Some would say that is dumb as leverage juices up the return, and I can make more money by leveraging, and yes that is correct.

to be direct: your first property, and possibly first several properties, are likely going to cost you money. 

There is money to be made and success in different strategies in RE. 

All the rent money and the mortgage payments comes in and out of the parent LLC's bank account.

I would put even less weight if a 'financial advisor' is doing other services such as taxes / insurance because he / she is looking to make money in anyway possible.I personally think if you want some financial advice, you should seek someone with the CFP(certified Financial Planner) designation. 

I can also recommend a fellow investor/lender and a hard money lender too depending on your exit strategy.

Not even money orders because they can be reversed just like a VISA/ Mastercard payment. 

If you have more time than money, this is the free way to do it.If you value your time, then use one of the paid sites, like flsonline, foreclosures daily, or a host of other data providers.