@Martti Eckert here's the big issue that no one really talks about that you hopefully find helpful (this is copy & pasted):-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

>>For purposes of taxes, consult with a CPA to confirm this would work for your situation, but you could have the LLC be treated as a "disregarded entity" and thus, even if you and your wife are members, any profits/losses would "disregard" the LLC and go directly on your personal returns. 

It was bought in 2004 and due to financial issues, I believe ~$197k is still owed on the mortgage.

Without having much info, I would need to know the financial situation of the 'close family' to determine a best approach.

You would have to go after the one individual for non-payment and you could only remove the other three by going through the legal process like you would for someone on a verbal agreement, which puts you in a he-said, she-said situation. 

You could, for the purposes of verifying that you are not renting to someone who is potentially dangerous or financially incapable of shouldering the burden of being a roommate, ask them to apply through Zillow so that you can see their background check, that also gives you the opportunity to have others who might be interested in being your roommate as well, apply.

Obviously, no one wants another 2008 situation, but I think easing up on the regulations a bit could be great for both investors and people buying homes.

As I'd imagined, it seems like there are no hard-and-fast ways that a deal must be structured, but rather there is room for flexibility depending on the situation, and in any case consultation with experienced professionals at every level is key.

I did all of mine several months ago as they are single member LLC;s and I already have to go through fingerprinting, background checks for my NMLS license as well as audited financials for our fund.

I doubt many are going into credit card debt or if they are that's kind of crazy.. as this part of real estate has no smoke and mirrors generally.And I suspect because most of these folks are doing some sort of PPM and need to deal with accredited investors.. that separates those wanting to start to those who have already had some financial win's or experience and just looking for a new avenue..