I figured using my primary equity could assist in getting that loan just to show as reserves 

Hey, I’m looking to connect and network with private individuals who lend money on real estate deals.

My humble advice to anyone attempting to do creative finance is:Creative finance is for experienced investors who have access to capital if anything goes wrong.Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal levelLearn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are neededKnow everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.

Same property listed water bill paid by landlord so how much does it cost to put individual meters for each property so cost can be moved to tenants? 

Feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to assist!

The out of the box strategies and set ups sold will never replace customized AP/Tax strategies based on individualized circumstances. 

Best you can do is individually pull title on properties. 

If you ever need help, I’m happy to assist!

I reached out to the individual marketing the deal to schedule a property viewing, but they’re asking for proof of funds (which I expected) and a signed purchase agreement or LOI.Is this normal?

Hiring an assistant will take place once you have 75 - 100 doors, maybe more.