Is this possible even without already having an established business? 

MTR may be a better strategy.

I'd suggest you meet with you attorney and go over some strategy and make sure you feel good about your next steps. 

He left on his own, but when all was said and done, he owed me over $8,000 in unpaid rent and damages to the property.The lesson I learned was to have my processes in place and treat this like a business.

They got into the business to buy homes for themselves.

Obviously, based on my relationship with the company, I'm not unbiased, but most people here on BiggerPockets know that I value my reputation above all, and when I agreed to join FTF as an advisor a couple years ago, it was because I was very impressed not only with their business model and underwriting guidelines, but with the CEO (Matt Rodak) and the rest of the management team.I have no requirement to invest my own money on the FTF platform; I do that simply because I like the platform, like the deals that are being funded and find the returns to be nearly as good as the private lending I do, but without all the overhead. 

My BUSINESS is real estate syndication (primarily notes we originate or purchase, but also property).  

The personal relationship tends to mix with the business relationship and this often leads to issues.

That is correct @J Scott as my entire business model is based off your books.  

I did not have your mentality at 21.I'd say you are headed in the right direction with the strategy you are considering - househacking.You'll be able to use a low-down payment option, learn to manage properties, create systems for managing maintenance projects, have your tenants pay most or all of your mortgage,... the list goes on.There will definitely be hurdles but like you said...you'll make it work!