(YAY - I love people becoming biz owners).   

Also, why do you think so many people are advised to get an LLC when starting in RE investing? 

Would love to connect with people who can give me advice on what to look for or where to study for starting out.

It's a very local question based on the comps and active/recently sold inventory inside the community.

Some people need 2% above the borrowing cost (8% cost of hELOC you gotta then make 10% + etc) and others will want to double their cost of capital or 200% so it depends.Everyone's going to give you their anecdotal experience or what their preferences are so its good to hear it all and determine your own.

What would people recommend I pursue, commercial or residential broker? 

I'm actively looking for PM in Cincinnati area.

Typically people think FHA because it's what's thought of as the least amount down which is commonly the goal when we all get started.

Your biggest resource will be from people.

An umbrella has nothing to do with those circumstances.I think some people hear umbrella and assume it's some sort of magical insurance that will protect them if anything goes wrong.