@Mario MoralesI think this is a common question and the value that an agent will bring will vary by individual needs.

Hey, I’m looking to connect and network with private individuals who lend money on real estate deals.

I am a single individual, no dependents, only live and work in PA.

Good on your friend for suggesting house hacking a duplex.

As far as your primary residence, if you have lived in it 2 out of the last 5 years, you should not have to pay taxes on capital gains (difference between what you paid for it & what you sold it for) up to $250,000 if you file your taxes as an individual and $500,000 if you file jointly with a spouse.Just a disclaimer, I am not a tax professional.

If you want private investors, start by asking friends, family, or colleagues in your network who may wish to a passive income opportunity. 

Instead of having to enter personal info and upload an image of your driver's license for each Reporting Company, the Individual FinCEN ID allows you to input your personal data once and then link the Individual ID to your various Reporting Companies. 

Individuals are purchasing these properties, rehabbing them, and raising rents.

I focus heavily on the sell side and on the buy side only work with high net worth individuals so the newbie wanting a 400k multifamily with an FHA loan probably isn't for me. 

The owners of 100+ unit complexes are not individuals who will be swayed to sell by a good offer or the need to cut short term losses.