You can find upcoming local meetups and events here https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings

Does anyone know how much it should cost for a contractor's planner to do their work? 

If your ever in the Kalamazoo area and would like to network there are several events here.

Now that's just the CoC, your actual IRR is higher but those exit events are usually 5-7Y out.

We have their name address, credit card on file and in the event there is anything wrong with the property, we know exactly who the last person that was there and we can go right back to them.  

I understand the allure of "business on a handshake" but you should have something in writing outlining your agreement in the event of disagreements or you end up in litigation. 

Do you ever go to any local REI events?

You'll want to keep your conduct professional so that in the event you need references, you can get them.  

And please forgive the photo on company web site, it was taken 2 weeks before my participation in St Baldrick's  event last year so I saw no need for a haircut.

A loan officer should use your Schedule E of your tax return and take your Net Income or Loss and add back to this number the following deductions: Mortgage Interest, Insurance, Taxes, HOA payments, Depreciation, and any major one-time event expenses.