They don't understand how to price effectively, study the market, set boundaries with tenants, establish policies and procedures, communicate, and dozens of other things.

I plan to put a $600 utility cap in the lease.

Are there any strategies here to utilize bank funds for our project?

For example I am near old town alexandria and the businesses are 200 year old row homes and there is no place to put ramps to get in establishments and door openings are not wide enough, but that is because they also could never comply. 

@Shmou N.ShmouYou can collect Rent and all other fees; Utilities, parking, or any other fee needed.We don't currently have a notification of the deposit but I will add it to our develoemt roadmap and you will see it in an update.

In my opinion, you have to establish your own investment objectives. 

If you can get good at networking and building relationships by establishing rapport, you'll get ahead much quicker in this niche.

If, a year from now, you have an extra $20k piled up because you have been serious about this, it established a bit of a track record and proves that you are a doer and not just a dreamer.I would also express gratitude that you have a partner that is so cautious.

After watching some of the podcasts and reading posts I am set on starting my real estate journey utilizing the house hacking strategy.

You're marking the equities to most recent returns, the reality is a real estate investment to live in is a guaranteed rate of return and serves utility.