Is there an easy way to divide the basement up? Each side of the duplex has access to the basement but below everything is connected together and I want to make sure no side has access to each other. The way I can ima...

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

If you're looking to treat this as a regular rental, then charging undermarket rent throws a monkey wrench in that. 

The ability to effectively self manage would depend on the scale you are trying to buy. 

You can hire effective VA's at low costs fairly quickly.  

I’ve been contacted by the Angi company but I’ve read a lot of negative comments regarding how the treat their contractors.

The president has zero impact on underwriting guidelines and  zero direct control of interest rates. in fact the fed has no direct control of long term rates that effect mortgage rates.

You’ll need to treat it like a business—handling tenant management, accounting, legal compliance, property maintenance, and more.That said, when done correctly, it’s a powerful tool for building wealth!

Wouldn't hurt to consult a tax pro just to make sure there isn't a more tax effective strategy but I don't think lending provides any tax shelter.

That being said I do understand what you're saying which is that you're looking for someone to help you treat this like a business-get all your ducks in a row, grow it, etc.