Quote from @Dan Farsht: I am looking to connect with other hard money lenders in the upper Midwest (our business is currently concentrated in the Greater Milwaukee Area). 

I own the property free and clear and i use the equity as part of my business line of credit.

So thats the reality from my point of view I made a business out of this for many years and my dad made a business out of this in the 70s through the 80s so lots of experience at it. 

Firstly, becoming a multifamily agent is a fantastic way to learn the business first hand while making some cash in the process.

I have watched her grow her business since the beginning stages.

Same principles apply - being busy will create opportunity. 

Why are you interested in this business?

I work a W-2 day job and have my own electrical business.

., They will be instrumental to your business. 

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: A few things there, Brendan.First, an LLC with you as a member and your (wife, son, pal, etc.) partner as a 1% member will file a Form 1065 which is about one tenth as likely to be audited by the IRS as a Form 1040 with a Schedule E rental activity (which I presume you will attempt to show is an active business).Second, you want an LLC because when your local Alabama handyman drives his girlfriend's uninsured truck into a van load of U of A medical school interns on I-22 when he goes  to get some shingles for your roof, on your business, you don't lose everything you have or ever will have to an uninsured claim.