In that case, the taxpayer had individuals testify to his character and work in court, which is an unusual scenario and highlights the difficulty of making such a claim.If the TP cannot qualify for REPS, they may still be eligible to claim material participation in the deals, even with less than 5% ownership in some of them.

So the heloc difficulty may be because its not a primary home. but im sure you can find a lender for a heloc.have you tried a DSCR because that way you can keep it in your LLC?

The word difficult is subjective.

Currently looking in New Britain and having difficulty finding properties.

The object of real estate investors is to help people through financial difficulties, not create bigger ones. 

I think that your assessment is very helpful and it is true that I am trying to offset costs and cut my commute.I have also had reservations about a flip/brrr because of the difficulty of finding a builder for my team.  

I know Sherman Associates have completed a number of affordable housing projects in Duluth (and were recently navigating another under construction in Lincoln Park that ran into some difficulties).

Investor who bought house next door to me said he is having difficulty finding "good" tenants. 

Inhale one of those and you'll be writing from your hospital bed.

If it's because of the tenants, you now have limited visibility on it and difficulty with tenants.