I would recommend reading some real-estate books or financial independence type books.

Third, we are researching purchasing the solar panels independently of the installer/electrician(s). 

There are very, very, very few self-starters and independent learners out there.

I need someone who is well versed in CA RE accounting and with S corps as I am an independent contractor in La.

In the future, for larger claims, you should engage the services of a LICENSED public adjuster to represent you, which will then allow you to shop out the contractor of your choice to do the work and makes that work independent of the insurance claim amount.

- do you see this available at more independent brokerages or more corporation/franchise brokerages ?

Don't allow financing or a finance contingency (it can be a good indication they are selling above market value)Don't allow for your own independent property inspectionAre not realistic with their pro forma's (i.e. they don't include vacancy or maintenance projections or use unrealistically low vacancy factors)Require you to pay for any renovation upfrontSell only in cheap. low end neighborhoodsDon't accurately represent the neighborhood/property classificationDon't have consistent rehab standards for all propertiesDon't provide a scope of work for the propertyCan't provide references of repeat investorsRequire you to close before a tenant is in placeBP can be a great resource for finding a good company to work with.

My gas guy (independent contractor) has more than once suggested that I modify my gas meter setup, moving from 4 meters (one per unit plus one for common area gas to laundry and boiler) to just 1 meter.

This will be from your local mortgage bank (Guaranteed Rate, loanDepot, to name a few) or a local independent mortgage broker (I'll spare you the plug, I'm sure you can divine which route I'd suggest). 30YF is still around here, but the rate/fee combo will be higher.

Can anyone summarize which one I would want them to do to make sure the title is free and clear (ex. "30 year search", "mortgage and assignments search", "2nd position mortgage and assignment search", "reverse mortgage and assignment search", etc.)Thanks everyone for helping me become financially independent!