It make my think of all those people that want to ''help'' me in my business and how fast they run away when I tell them they will shoot guy on guy action
best way to know if someone is just a perv or if he serious about been working haha
By looking at your list I gonna give you 1 good advice, just hire a photographer so you dont have to take years learn all you need and you dont have to buy 10 000$ and more in lightning and camera
Good luck