And you can't legally dictate how much they carry for personal belongings. 

Personally, I think I would stack some cash for a year or so while I did this. 

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

You might be able to get around the fact your entity owns the property by either transferring the property back into your personal name or by some personal guarantee or cross-collaterization agreement.

Do you have a 501c3 that you operate under (and rent the house from yourself), or do you purchase homes with an LLC or personal name, and run as a regular business? 

When your LLC takes a loan, expect as members to personally guarantee the debt.

Here is my favorite (among several others, just as hysterical) part of this case:"...Petitioner’s testimony that neither he nor his son used his personal bedroom,living room, or kitchen for personal reasons strains credibility.

The vast majority of contractors won't want to give bids on properties while under contract unless they have a relationship with that person from prior jobs.

They paid their portion of the rent.I have found a lot of investors bring their personal or political feelings into the investing conversation. 

Or a personal loan if interest rates aren't cost prohibitive?