I'm not looking to replace me current company or sell it to start something new, rather supplement or diversify my income stream from multiple areas.

Technology advancements such as email, phone calls, skype has enabled communication with a remote CPA to be seamless.

Value add syndicators like to refi or add supplemental loan after renovations in ~ 2 years which can increase those returns a bit but most want to show you numbers that are conservative (under promise / over deliver). 

If I went with this price range it would enable me to pay cash through a private lender.

While it may sting for you to have to pay someone else, it’s what many very successful investors do to enable them to grow their investment portfolio.

We are now looking for a CA-licensed real estate broker to enable us to legally provide these services. 

I would of course still suggest you work a job, and use RE to supplement your salary, and slowly you'll have a point where your RE income will be able to cover all of your expenses or exceed your salary. 

There are also supplement loan features built into commercial financing that allow cash out once the property has been re-positioned.The most important factor is the profit per property...profit per unit is not as relevant. 

Again, get with people that have had positive experience working with a variety of lenders that could enable you to choose one that best fit your needs and financial situation.

I am using a HELOC on my first duplex to help supplement me on the second property.