Does it still provide effective results?

My vision for CountOnCam LLC is to be a company that would like to provide a shared housing experience for women and children, immigrants, and low income families.

@Charles Evans Zelle and Venmo do not provide the same protections as a third-party rent payment portal.

have you considered bringing in an equity partner to provide a loan?

Those that cannot weather the storm get wiped out.Having cashflow positive properties provides a margin of safety you just do not have with negative cashflow.Why are you focused on buying in your backyard? 

A key risk is the due-on-sale clause, allowing the lender to demand full repayment, though enforcement varies.Keeping the property in an LLC provides liability protection, shielding personal assets from lawsuits.

An existing duplex provides immediate rental income and proven market comparables, reducing risk.

Do you need to provide proof of funds at the bid or are the actual funds due at the time you win bid?

BUT the point is...do you think you or the agent will sell it for the highest price and provide higher net proceeds to your family member? 

If the cash-out refinance option isn’t providing enough liquidity, you could also consider a hard money loan, though these tend to come with higher interest rates and shorter terms.