If you don't have criteria, then you need to establish criteria for your situation!

We are initially looking to use 3rd party funding, but we are establishing a lending company that will use private money to fund 1st and 2nd mortgages to our flip and buy and hold companies.

Unless your LLC is well established, it won't qualify for a mortgage.  

Your local closing attorney, rotary club, or established business owner would be a better source.

But you should talk to a tax advisor.  

Financial Situation:- Single professional ($200k / annual salary)- Remote job (can work anywhere / establish permanent address anywhere)- ~$100k savings (between checking, index funds, and small crytpo portfolio)- Grew up in Southern California (I don't intend to invest in CA, but it is the market I am most familiar with so I am really looking for advice on how to confidently branch out to other more affordable markets with better ROI)- Dad is a real estate developer based out of Southwest Colorado (considered stepping into this market, but not familiar with it's ROI compared to other states commonly mentioned here)Goals:- Develop passive income streams to match/exceed current salary (I'm trying to escape 9-5 life ASAP)- I plan to utilize an FHA loan to minimize my down payment on my first property (ideally looking for a 4+ unit building where I would rent the smallest unit for myself and maximize the rent from the larger units).

I do, however, encourage you to work with your tax advisor to see how these strategies can work for your unique situation.

For your alternate strategy (BRRR) you'll probably have to establish a relationship with a property management company, then get the property rented, refinance and cash out.

I would seek out an investment as an LP (limited partner) with an established investor (especially in this market).

I've also discussed the house with a property manager in the area and they estimate that the entire house would bring in around $75k a year once it acquired an established rental clientele.