This will pass, better days are ahead, -Steve

Keep your books straight from day 1 - saving receipts, opening up new accounts per property, getting a business cc to keep costs separate.

For a straight up mortgage it’s solid granite...As mentioned I would look into investment and portfolio lenders.

As of recent, I have been thinking I can put 20% down on a SFH and and just rent it straight out.  

Were these roommates selected by you or did they know each other ahead of time?

Please go ahead and DM for my current recommendations.

ERGO the hedgefunds stacking cash right now.. those who think they are going to wait and be able to get investor loans and the bottom might well find themselves locked out same with HELOC's many will get frozen so unless you evergreen them ahead of time you may not have that arrow in your quiver as well..

Renting your personal dwelling while owning and renting other houses, duplexes or apartments is a reasonable approach, and...Perhaps patience is a decent idea for you in this situation, because you may come out way further ahead if you wait to buy until July.

We probably should have gone straight for induction.

You can rent these books from your local library and they are very helpful:Form Your Own Limited Liability Companyhttps://store.nolo.com/product...Your Limited Liability Companyhttps://store.nolo.com/product...Also, here is the info on doing it in the state of Alabama:https://www.sos.alabama.gov/bu...Typically if the structure of your LLC is relatively simple (only 1-3 members) and no special agreements, it should be pretty straight forward to get it going.