This brings me to now, I've taken this approach and have used my own money in lending, but am also bringing in friends and family to take part in these transactions so they can earn way better returns than with CD's.

I’ve reviewed a number of theses DST’s across numerous asset classes  and there performance /returns are generally fairly low and unimpressive. 

The reason certain markets are expensive is the same reason that high returns are achieved on certain investment property: because people want to live there.

Or if you want to swap higher returns for lower maintenance you can look in to FIG (fourplex investment group_.

Legitimate, in this case, means that the entity is part of an overall business investment strategy whereby you have a business plan, tax returns, and the funds you seek are for further business expansion.If, however, the LLC is a stand alone entity, is not profitable, or is not legitimate, then your probably better off putting into your personal name and securing funding that way, or still talking to local or regional banks to see if they have any loan programs available where you might be able to secure financing.

Similarly, homes that have unusual layouts or less traditional features often benefit from full staging, as it helps buyers envision how the space can work for them.That said, even in more budget-conscious markets, full-service staging can still provide a significant return on investment, especially if the home has been on the market for a while or if it's empty and lacks warmth.

When filing the LLC return, it is important to ensure that these liabilities are accurately reflected on the balance sheet.However, it's essential to note that distributing the refinance proceeds among LLC members could potentially be viewed as a taxable event if there is no intent to repay these amounts to the LLC.

I may explain that while I’d like to buy/finance/invest in his property, I need to earn a certain return on my invested capital for the given amount of risk, and if not able to earn the return on the subject deal than I will on the next deal.  

The $1,500 net cash flow you mentioned represents a tightened rental return that could provide consistent passive income.

Real Estate Investing can be an exciting and rewarding venture, offering the potential for significant financial returns and the opportunity to create wealth over time.