On the RE side - I own/developed 2,000 residential units across the United States focusing on opportunistic residential acquisitions and development, including student housing conversions and luxury multifamily development.On the startup side - it is a third-party guarantor platform that expands your renter pool, increases rents and occupancy, and ultimately boosts your NOI while broadening affordable housing options for renters.

There's a few different ways to focus on a lower rate such as with house hacking and making the investment your primary residence, requesting a significant closing credit from the sellers for standard rate buy-downs (which I've had great success with recently), or utilizing lenders who offer short term rate lowering solutions such as 2-1 rate buy downs (again, ideally paid for by the sellers).

Each are great strategies to access capital and each has its pros/cons for utilizing the strategy in the best way.

BUT, get a solid quote on utilities.

The first apartments I rented as the owner, were previously rented by the former owner at $150 month including utilities. 

From experience with mechanical and utility issues in distressed properties, I would also wonder why the breakers were removed.

I've been thinking a lot about Florida and I believe it's a great state for future potential investments such as purchasing and renting out (utilizing the BRRRR Method Of Course).

Then there are the challenges with Section 8 tenants paying utilities and taking care of their rental property.

Most likely raising funds from passive investors would utilize a Reg D 506 b or c safe harbor exemption from registration.  

My wife not comfortable putting our house as equity, therefore we are utilizing other options to fund investment properties.