No wonder he is disliked on Bigger Pockets.  

I suggest that you contact customer relations at AHP, tell them you're a potential investor and ask for access. 

If it is only one flip for now, I suggest you find a CPA just to advise you on State filing requirements, ensure you are claiming all write-offs and issuing 1099s, etc.

I just wondered if working with one of these mentor groups would add an extra layer of expertise, or if it wasn't worth the hassle.

Out of your list, I suggest the Northern and Western cities you listed (Conroe, Montgomery, and Katy).

First off I took the realtors suggestion and listed with the property management company he promoted to me.

Brown, I obviously don't use other registered agents so @Nathan Gesner suggestion is pretty good. 

I suggest using a service like Mayistay.

I was wondering who I need to hire to get this space legalized for a curb cut to park a car there.

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.