My main advice for avoiding liability is: (1) work with a great insurance broker to get comprehensive coverage; (2) avoid signing full recourse personal guarantees whenever possible; (3) max out your 401(k) or defined benefit plan with ERISA protection; and (4) strive to reach a point where you’re not personally involved in the business’s day-to-day operations.Disclaimer: While I’m a licensed attorney, I’m not your attorney.

@Kenroy BernardTo acquire a multifamily property in Long Island, develop a VA Loan Strategy, obtain pre-qualification from a lender, factor in renovation costs, conduct market research, build a team with experienced agents, network with investors, strengthen your business plan, expand knowledge through tools, and take action by searching for properties, attending open houses, and setting a closing timeframe.

The main reason I'm asking this, is to understand how much cash I need to save up in reserves before pulling the trigger on a deal like this?

Very helpful, think this is a great outline of the main steps one needs to take for MTR or even STR conversion! 

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Knowing the Fort Collins market and it's price points a little bit, it doesn't sound like you're capitalized quite enough to get started flipping, especially when factoring in risk (properties in the $300-400k range will be high risk, not good locations).

Quote from @Luis Pereiro: Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: what position that's an important factor.. bare land notes generally sell for a 20 to 30% yield. 

Our lawyer wrote up the loan doc, they borrowed $60,000 to renovate 123 main st, I got first position lien on 123 main st, they paid $500/month interest and the $60,000 lump sum back after 12 months.

So I'll keep my current plan of photos and video as the  main source for "showings".  

I have been sniffing this for a while as well, but more on Main Stree mixed-use.