Oak - you might want to do a search on Beginnertriathlete.com for information on hiring coaches. The question comes up a lot and there is usually a good discussion about it. I know you don't want a full tri coach, but like you said, the principles are the same. Do a search in the 'tri talk' forum. There are a lot of successful coaches and athletes of all levels on that board, so you tend to get a good mix of answers to questions like that.

I think someone's coaching credentials are way more important than their own racing results. And above all else, personality fit with you is critical. Finding that locally may be tough, depending on your market.