If you don't trust them, then set up a meeting with 2 other CPAs, pay them for an hour of their time, and see what they think.  

@Chris Irvin Hey Chris, nice to meet you.

@Matthew Charron I do hope someone takes you up on your offer.In case no one does though, I'd recommend you attend a local real estate investor group like Black Diamond REI in southern Mass. or RI Real Estate Investors Group in RI.You'd want to engage several people in conversation, particularly during the times at the beginning and end of the meetings when folks typically network, and maybe ask a few folks out to coffee.Many people look for "mentors", and that might work for you, but another approach to consider would be just to try making friends with people who are one or two steps ahead.So maybe they're not successful full-time investors (the Holy Grail of Mentor-seeking), but instead own one or two rental properties, or have done one or two successful flips, or really anything in one of the directions you want to go.I find that can be easier to achieve, and you can get a lot out of it because such folks are very familiar with the challenges you face - after all, it wasn't long ago they were at that same point themselves.

I'm eager to meet people in the area and learn from them.

So, in a hot market the seller will look first for a cash buyer with no financing contingency, second for a buyer with approved financing from a conventional lender, third from a buyer who has been qualified by a mortgage broker, and last, i at all from a buyer with a POF from a hard money lender.Of course not all sellers, or the brokers representing them are sophisticated, so if you make enough offers you WILL get some sellers that accept you POF letter.Just to show you how meaningless these POF letters from hard money lenders really are, about 8 years ago a number of lenders published a generic POF on their websites, and told potential borrowers to download the letters, fill in the blanks, and they had an instant proof of funds.  

I am looking to meet other investors in my area that flip homes.

If you want to meet in person, I would be happy to share my approach with you. 6) the name of the direct mail game is volume, consistency and quality of list.

I know i probably need to try to find and attend some local reia meetings.

My wife and I feel electric is more dangerous because the surface could be hot long after you turn it off and you are more likely to burn food because you cannot control the temperature as well.We see valid points on both sides of the argument so would like to know what you all have in your rentals and for what reasons?

Dan Butler and @douglasskipworth run an impressive property management company here in our HOT market of Memphis!