We’ve teamed up because our skill sets match up and neither of us have an abundance of free time; one of the wonders of having small children.

These are the expenses usually 'massaged' or omitted entirelyRepairsMaintenanceReal replacement depreciationLeasing feesLegal and eviction expensesSpecial tax assessmentsWater billsCommon area utilitiesAccounting feesFines and penaltiesVacancy expenseOutside contractorHandymanOffice suppliesValue of manager's apartmentReferral feesMy advise is to go over the expenses and see (1) what expenses are missing from the financial statement (2) verify that the expenses appearing on the financial statement are in line with property averages for the area or there is a good reason they are not and (3) verify actual occupancy rates over the last 2 years.If you still have a deal obtain the last few years tax returns, and see if the returns match the financial statements. 

As I look forward to the next year, retiring and taking on real estate and investing full time, I am wondering if there are any real estate firms that are particularly investor friendly and would be a good match?

It might be OK to put in two layers of OSB in opposite directions so the seams don't match (for better strength. 

No difference between the two from a taxation perspective, however, you want to maintain separate accounts for each so that what you report as interest income matches the amount reported to the IRS by your servicer. 

After installing the granite, I am now contemplating staining or painting them a different color, perhaps a dark espresso stain OR paint them a beige cream either of which would match the granite.  

Well, I agree experience is essential when it comes to anything, but how can you match experience?

The key to finding a good attorney is to find one whose personality matches your own and that you can trust to handle your case.

I like the idea of our time being equal to John's investment, but I'm not sure if we're going to match that value on this first flip.

If there's no match, there's no point.