.: The applicant needs a social security number or an individual tax ID number (ITIN).

Zillow's closest competitor Realtor.com is another choice to drum up some business.

It's personal choice. 

We would like to have more individuals that we deal with directly. 

HELOCs are not available because they are residential loans guaranteed by individuals and what you seek is a type of commercial loan or credit line which are available to seasoned companies with proven financial track record.

Is one a clear choice and I am having trouble seeing it?

Building connections with like minded individuals to help each other achieve their goals is priceless.

Don’t sell to an individual asking.

It depends on where you want to live, income, personality, and other factors.You could buy a large home and rent out the individual rooms to cover expenses, but this comes with problems.

The fund itself is separate than these individual contracts.