They tend to be what most people target.

Eric,, I think why people go for the fund model is the idea that they are spreading their money into multiple notes being held by the company.. while in theory this is great but as you noted you don't really have any security compared to being the beneficiary of the debt instrument IE debt is in your name. 

I’ve been in the real estate business as a broker, helping clients buy and sell homes, but I’m looking to take things to the next level by diving deeper into investing.

I use cash comps as the first people I look to sell wholesale deals to.  

I use this property and another one as my business line of credit. 

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: A few things there, Brendan.First, an LLC with you as a member and your (wife, son, pal, etc.) partner as a 1% member will file a Form 1065 which is about one tenth as likely to be audited by the IRS as a Form 1040 with a Schedule E rental activity (which I presume you will attempt to show is an active business).Second, you want an LLC because when your local Alabama handyman drives his girlfriend's uninsured truck into a van load of U of A medical school interns on I-22 when he goes  to get some shingles for your roof, on your business, you don't lose everything you have or ever will have to an uninsured claim. 

A good tenant is more than just a rent check—they should respect your property, your rules, and the people around them.

Typically I recommend that people get very clear on your vision for not only what you want to do but the exact markets you want to do projects in and narrow your focus to those.

Sights are set on all types of REI, but this will be a great start for us.I have been in the mortgage business for over 20 years.

Lenders, Investors, Hard Money, Partners will focus on experience and risk, so bringing value by finding great deals or managing renovations, can help you break in.Keep refining your approach and connecting with the right people!