Did you use a hard money loan for this? 

you may have to save up until you have enough money to do so - down payment, closing costs, reserves, etc.House Hacking: What Is It, How to Start, and Strategies for Successit's a more powerful way to get started. 

Instead of shelling out $60K for a $250K deal, maybe some of you can help me figure out (or give referrals) to title companies, etc, or give overall advice how to save me money from this enormous financial endeavor (closing the deal).Thanks!

"Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most".

We rarely have issues, but it seems like such a small investment in time and money to take one day to verify. 

As a side note, FDIC insurance protects depositor money, not debt.

I left them recently like many others have in the last 5 months and even though our money was technically an investment and a limited partner contribution, they refused to give anyone their money back even after stating numerous times they would give people their money back if they choose to leave. 

If you didn't actually get any money, how do you know for sure they are a real legit lender? 

You'd be surprised to learn that someone living in a rental or apartment, that has a family and is a successful small businessman, has the money and is willing to take that deal.

Maybe they don't need the money now but in 5 years they wan to send a grand child to college.