There was an article published in Sept 2024 that showed the average consumer would save over $10,000 by working with a broker vs a direct lender over the life of their loan.

This will save you on subscription costs.If you want to discuss any of this further, I'm happy to answer questions and help walk you through it.Best of luck!

Is it your actual savings or was this saved to invest, because there's no such thing as "excess" cash. 

Leveraging a HELOC (home equity line of credit) could allow you to invest in multifamily without completely draining your savings.

A duplex strategy is a low-risk entry, saving on living expenses.

You can buy a house that need lots of work that's another way, do as much work as possible be the project manager how ever you can help to save money .BIG pockets can jump in on a MLS ride it out .

Everything resolved as good as could be expected w/o court (albeit full renovation was needed.)

This is a great savings. 

I'd like to keep savings and be able to hire out some of the work (something we have not done in the past).My thoughts are to put both into an LLC and look for investors or a business loan, and purchase and move to a new home.

If you can save up for a slightly higher down payment your margin for success will be significantly higher.Also, I strongly agree with the "buy the worst in a great neighborhood, live in the worst unit of the triplex and slowly fix it up yourself."