@Jeff StevensonYou really should consult a qualified professional or two, specifically at least attorney.So far, your lender is correct that legal entities, such as LLC's, are not eligble for conforming residential loans. 

They appear as second loans and need to be illuminated if you need to HELOC or cash out Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

As a new investor interested in the Columbus, Ohio real estate market, you're on the right track by seeking connections with investor-friendly professionals.

@Drew Sygit and @Jay Hinrichs I'd appreciate your professional opinion.

They have been helpful and professional so far.

Hello, I am a software developer and I have a data science friend who we want to team up on making software in the real estate niche.Tell me, as a real estate professional, please dream of your ideal software. what kind of software or software feature do you wish you had or wish that can be improved upon.

If you achieve Real Estate Professional status, you could potentially drive your income down to zero, minimizing your taxes.

If they aren't using a professional machine, odds are high that they'll leave water in the pad, causing the place to smell like mildew after a few days.

While RE investing is generally passive, in my case I actively manage and qualify as a professional RE investor. 

I had clients in PHX with 4 plexs that went 100 % vacant stayed that way for over a year and clients owned 3 or 4 of them.. these were professional A plus borrowers but if there is no income there is a limit to how long you can feed this stuff..