We presently have been self funding our properties either through the equity we build or saved cash.We are continuing to scale up with each transaction (Started with 2 units building, then 3, then 4)In our market the competition on properties as they get larger is seemingly more intense and puts them further from our reach and capacity- but we are looking to get in to a 6+ now.Rather than liquidating, we prefer to hold what we have, so we have begun exploring and reading about private funding and are curious what people structured deals people have found success with early on.What resources/books might be a good place to start or have helped you with finding the path that works best for you?

The max capacity is 12 and my average party size over the last 5 years is 8.2.

I have relationships with many of the re there  and can connect you with some if you'd like so you can get their prospective as well.I cover the main island too and find that each region has its pros/cons depending on what one is looking for but I do feel that even with the current state the world is in, its a great time to consider investing here in some capacity.

@Zach Gentner"but I want to set this up so that my personal assets are untouchable in a court of law"An LLC is not automatic protection against a lawsuit.As manager of the LLC, you would likely also be named in your individual capacity along with the LLC in any suit.If you are this worried about a lawsuit, it is logical to believe you have substantial assets. 

get the biggest line you can. never know what the future may bring.a larger line increases your debt capacity, and so improves your ratio of debt used: available creditthis should increase your score

some people dont have the desire/capacity/drive/mindset to do real estate and stocks are 100% a better choice for them

There's no good way of knowing their financial capacity without being able to "re-screen" them.

Staying fit is definitely needed in the RE profession in whatever capacity we're in.  

Tough to try and get equity as a contractor in that capacity.

A lot of out-of-state investors are coming to the area and we have the capacity for many more.