Follow those who've gone before.Find experts specialized around that niche.Partner with team members in areas you are not good at or don't want to do.2-3 quotes instead of 1, will save you on renovations.Always be conservative in numbers and timelines.Have reserves.Set aside reserves for each property.Buy for cashflow.Learn from your mistakes, create processes so you don't repeat them.Network to grow.Rinse & Repeat.

The first property is always special!! 

Should I reinvent my practice as an accountant who specializes in real estate tax and accounting? 

As I prepare to retire from the military within the next five years, I’m looking to find something that will ensure a smooth transition.

I’d like to connect and partner with a real estate agent that specializes in rental properties, a CPA that specializes in stock market and rental investing tax codes, and anyone else that loves investing, financial independence, and early retirement (FI/RE). 

I travelled to Orlando last week to look at STR and have always been interested in getting properties near a military base.

Do you guys have any recommendation on good local real estate agents who specialize in "househacking" and can advise me on this? 

Plus there are all the special regulations that go along with STRs.....Are you sure you'll be comfortable having strangers going in and out of your personal residence at all hours....?

My partners and I are licensed agents specializing in commercial real estate.

However, I had a somewhat of a track record because I had bought and kept 4 rentals through various military moves and was in a very good financial space--so my track record gave me enough credibility.