In syndications, crowdfunding or otherwise, I mostly favor cash investments (using investor capital) that minimize the long term risk of a loan, but have made 1 or 2 crowdfunding investments that have leveraged with commercial loans. 

If they're a really good tenant, and have great jobs/stability, IMO it's worth the minimal headaches and knowing someone is taking care of the home.   

I know that I could close this deal using a double closing with a transactional funding lender but of course I'd like to minimize my fees.

The price difference between granite and laminate is minimal.

I need a lawyer when we decide to form our first LLC for the rental, and I also am in need of an ambitious tax person that can help us find a balance between minimizing our taxable income vs. investing more money in our real estate portfolio. 

I currently rent and have no real estate to my name. An LLC i'm a minority member of is undergoing an acquisition and my idea for planning for my tax bill is to start a new LLC just for real estate, and have the LLC p...

Since my current living expenses are very minimal and I have a unit generating income I would much prefer the brrr strategy. 

-Ask what needs repaired (related to pain points - the seller will likely minimize the issues but he/she will internalize all the issues)I typically make an offer first.

Current house hold income is 140-180k/yr with minimal debt besides primary mortgage. 

At this stage of the market I want everything to be more than favorable to minimize risk.