The most important thing is to interview each person and do your due diligence on what matters to you.

I don't know any personally but the Bay Area is such a huge market I'm sure you can find someone.

My best lender when I was active was a private person. 

Personally If these rules keep investors out or financial trouble, I think they are very worthwhile.

You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist willing to work with you throughout the year, not just when preparing your tax return.You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the tax consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck.

I am sending mailers, but would rather not list my personal residence or use a PO box.

Personally I think it depends on the type of investing opportunities you're looking for and where or why we are seeing an increase in market activity.

The architect will have a structural engineer they usually use, you can go ahead and use that person or someone else.After that is done, have your architect draft a bid form/template. 

I have not done this personally but I do have several clients who are in year 1 or 2 of utilizing this strategy. 

"Staying' in the home or 'moving in'You can't 1031 into a personal residence.