Unless you are someone who is going to take advantage of the leverage offered in an FHA loan, I am generally in favor of purchasing investment real estate in an LLC.  

Traditional bank loans can be slow and have strict requirements, while hard money and private lending seem to offer more flexibility.For those who’ve secured funding before, what’s been your experience?

It's basically a legal 2-unit that can cashflow $900/month.

Or really they were ALL pre foreclosures when it was legal to do this in OR and WA laws changed in 08.

Unfortunately, I’ve run into a major issue: I received a Stop Work Notice on my property in Covington, GA, because I didn’t have the proper permits for the renovations.I want to resolve this as quickly and smoothly as possible without jeopardizing the project.Can anyone offer advice or share their experience with:1.How to address the Stop Work Notice with the local authorities?

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

Augusta indeed offers great potential with a strong rental market driven by factors such as population growth and a stable job market.

I am not sure of the legality associated with this and the issues of going from 4 units(residential) to 5 units (commercial) even if one unit will only be owner occupied.

Honestly, I would not sign any lease until you positively close and legally own the property.

Really good wholesalers can offer buyers opportunities on terms as cash offers do not always solve the sellers problem.These are some things that make up a good wholesaler.