I just felt under educated.   

We've chosen to only leverage our rentals at 40% loan to value at the point of purchase in order to pay them off faster.

In the education phase of REI. 

Not having any formal accounting or bookkeeping education and not having much success trying to learn from YouTube videos,  I decided to go with an accounting firm that does Quickbooks training. 

Our education has just begun about how to turn what we've been doing organically into a business strategy. 

There's a wealth of information on Biggerpockets and I would suggest doing some self-educating on the different aspects of REI through the "Education" tab up at the top of the site.To be a little more specific, search for "House hacking" forums and blog posts to get a more in depth look as to how to get started with your condo and /or multifamily plan.Also consider why a condo and not just a multifamily to start...I could almost definitely say you don't need a RE company at this point.Like @Cameron Norfleet said, you could start with reaching out to a lender to see what types of financing you will qualify for. 

Furthermore, they are required to take continuing education to keep their license.CPA(requirements vary by state) but require completion of 4 or 5 years of college education.

If the rate were 4.5% (which it is not) at 100% leverage I would break even or make about +$10/mth. 

The non-profit is implementing a project called the Teachers village or Educators Village.

What can I use as leverage in negotiations?