We also like connecting with like-minded individuals.   

I screen the individual physically occupying the rental and someone in upper management of the company (President, CEO, etc.). 

I own multifamily properties in College Station that primarily get rented out to working class individuals.

Thanks@Michael Jennings To be considered as materially participating in an activity, an individual must, under Sec. 469(h)(1), have "regular, continuous, and substantial" involvement in the activity.

You can have LLCs hold individual properties.

I would be very happy if anyone could link me to any resources or individuals that could educate me on this as well1 Thank you in advance.Sincerely,Gabe Yes but it depends.

That Private Individual can be a friend, co-worker, relative, friend of a friend, what have you. 

If any lenders offer lower amounts, they likely still have a minimum origination fee or higher interest rate and are usually individual private lenders rather than institutional private money sources.

I know in the 5 borough an individual can't purchase at auction, most if not all of those properties go to banks since they buy in bulk. 

I created a furnishing list for furnishing a rental property which includes Amazon links, prices that dynamically update from Amazon, and individual and total costs.