Short of crowdfunding does anyone have any suggestions on how I can approach potential investors about helping me come up with this down payment ?

I would suggest that you definitely do that.

If you are going that route you are taking right now, I would suggest you associate yourself first with Flippers/Cash buyers/Landlords then you can maybe deal with them about bird dog fee that if you found a property and they were able to close on that deal, give you sort of bird dog fee. 

My worry is that is I commingle the banking activities and the 2 rentals I have in my name with the LLC I have potentially negated the benefit of creating the LLC if/when I am sued down the road.I think this must be something others have come across and I would really appreciate suggestions on making this a bit simpler.  

All suggestions are welcome.Thank you all for your help in advanced!

Any suggestions? 

ARV stands for After Repair Value.

Most importantly, I am looking for suggestions on CU's that offer great terms and conditions in the Chicagoland area.

If you take a more passive role, you will still amass a great rental portfolio with a little less risk.If you take the active approach then I suggest you have a competent partner or mentor, and assemble the right team in the markets you considered.In the meantime, and as always, continue to educate yourself.

Every time I have a vacancy, I always smile at the fact that 9 times out of ten... shoot, 99 times out of 100, it's the woman who makes the phone calls, asks the most questions at showings, handles the paperwork and money...The guy just kinda stands there.Just an observation...I have a vacancy now and it's always a woman that calls.