Check BNI international or a LeTip (professional networking associations) had great experience with some BNI folks before.

I've worked as an acquisitions manager and project manager for a professional flipping company.

    - you will need professional liability, and workers comp., that you may or may not need       for a different type of business.Hope that helps. 

If this is a non- prohibited arrangement and thus allowed, how long does it take to set up the self-direct fund and do I use an attorney, my investment company Merrill Lynch or some other professional?

Additionally, I would suggest getting a better feel for what the seller's true motivations are.

My OCD was kicking and wanted to ensure I was being professional and some cya. 

Is the call flow something similar to:introduce yourselftell them you're an investorask them if they have ever considered selling their propertyexplain that I'm honest, professional and trustworthyI'd love to hear some specifics with CL calls with landlords!

Just a couple other tips - get professional photography and if it can’t be in a HGTV show, spend the time and money to make it cute.

Regarding state taxes, that is not true. 

How professional should the presentation be?