In the past I have looked into joining groups but like you said they ask for a fee to join or each visit you pay an entry.

When you break up the home into sections and you know the costs in your head (or on paper) ahead of time, it is easy to add it up as you walk through.

That assumption is based purely off of Zillow's estimate so who really knows, but in any case,- Would it be wise to go ahead and obtain a HELOC on the property even if I don't plan on using it for awhile?

I plan to rehab it and Airbnb it most of the year but also plan to stay in it whenever we visit Galveston (several times a year).

Sure there are people who ‘made it’ that may say “I’d like to give back, I’d like to mentor a young guy or gal”… but I promise you they’re going to look for the same traits in their mentee that they had- which, in part, was the willingness to work ungodly hours in order to learn and get ahead in life.

Real Estate Taxation is nothing new and you can certainly find a local CPA that specializes in Real Estate.Below are some tips to find a Local CPA that specializes in real estate1) Attend a Local REIA / Real Estate meetup and see who other investors are using as a CPA2) Network with other investors from your City/State that you find on bigger pockets and see who they use as a CPA3) Look for CPA's with good google/yelp reviews where 'real estate' is mentioned in the review.You can verify your CPA is licensed by Michigan by visiting the following website - https://www.lara.michigan.gov/...You should only look for an out-of-state CPA after you take the above steps.

I agree with Jess Haas above that you need be ahead of landlord issues like where Airbnb is going to 30-day mins, etc., as well as ahead of the development trends by going to city planning meetings.

Ill be visiting your office hopefully and setting up a time to meet you in person should be easier.

Thanks for all your wisdom and experience ahead of time as I will be learning a lot.

Visit your local REI groups.