MyRental by CoreLogic is another reputable platform.That said, the real gold is in pairing the credit/background check with income verification from the source—not just a paystub or PDF.

I have been pretty active on these forums, have helped several investors secure financing and have built my reputation from the bottom.

You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck.

Wholesalers have gotten a bad reputation due to the vast number that bought a Facebook course, watched some YouTube videos, post a number of bandit signs, hire a VA using the same lists 1,000 others are using and see it as a way to make money with no investment. 

Look into their reputation, check reviews, and confirm that they have a proven track record of successfully helping clients.

Your primary trade-off is now clear:Access Equity Now: Accept the $1,400/yr tax increase and the other tax consequences (like your dad's depreciation recapture bill) to get the DSCR loan now.Maximize Future Wealth: Leave the property in your dad's name, avoid the tax hike, and preserve the massive benefit of a stepped-up basis upon inheritance.The other tax questions (gift tax, depreciation, etc.) are important, but they are secondary to this fundamental Prop 19 reality.My immediate advice is to model whether the deal still makes financial sense with the higher property tax expense.

Started out as a contractor, became a fix & flipper on the side (slowly accumulating a buy & hold SFR portfolio), and then transitioned into notes from there.When my company was buying 2nd mortgages, I'm not sure my background played as much of a role since we were really just buying the paper but with buying 1st mortgages and REO it really can make a difference with determining construction costs, having reputable "boots on the ground" from my previous life, etc.

Any advice on how to get started and find a reputable private money lender? 

You need to set expectations and raise their level of concern that there will be immediate consequences if they get more than a few days behind on their rent. 

I'm sorry, I can't work on it because it will reflect on my reputation if I just "patch it back up" and put the brick back.