Looking for trustworthy ones with somewhat accurate rehab estimation ability (although I will get my own estimates, it would be nice to have someone who can get close). 

Schools, jobs, walk-ability, average household income, days on the market for nearby homes...to name a few.

My practice is mostly in the area of RE (State Board of Legal Specialization is the only authority that can permit a lawyer to say they "specialize" in an area of law, which requires fees, exams, and a "pretty pretty please".)Attorney fees are based on several factors that have been thoroughly litigated:(1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill required to perform the legal service properly; (2) the likelihood that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer; (3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services; (4) the amount involved and the results obtained; (5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances; (6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; (7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and (8) whether the fee is fixed or contingent on results obtained or uncertainty of collection before the legal services have been rendered.Like other professionals that are free to set a market rate, we gauge the highest wage that the market will bear. 

We've increased our financial independence moving to NC (lower cost of living and wife no longer works), but part of that means having slightly less income to cover economic shocks.The CA duplex is also really hampering our ability to finance additional properties.

However, the real "value" comes from the ability to take all of the cash you put into your REI out (so you have no cash in the deals anymore), but still own the property...and still get the cash flow every year from it.3 - You can invest the same money an infinite amount of times at the same time.4 - If the face value goes down on RE, it doesn't have to (and shouldn't) have any impact on the returns per year (cash flow). 

You'll have tax advantages, and the ability to grow your portfolio over time with this first investment. 

People in foreclosure are generally wanting to avoid talking to anyone that appears to be a bill collector, so dress casually. 

Ability to close quickly without inspection What was the outcome?

^^This is 100% illegal unless you are a licensed real estate broker.As discussed here, wholesaling is: Assigning a contract which you are a principle of, to another investor.I also agree that you must have the ability to close the deal yourself.

On most HELOC's you will have 10 years to use the cash as a credit card type basis, after 10 years, you can no longer draw on the line of credit and must payback the balance over the next 20 years.If you want to restore your ability to draw on the HELOC, just replace the HELOC with a new HELOC.