The National Guard is a great way to help with REI because of the VA home loan program.

Additionally I want to maintain more control over the real estate aspect of our program (aside from helping to generate revenue, this real estate 'initiative' will also serve as an educational tool) than what I may currently have over the non profit org.I'm looking for general ideals on entity setup (LLC, For profit corporation,  etc.).

Keith, I can help you in Pa with that program.  

That is one government agency we NEVER want to hear from (I am sure there are more:):):)

Also remember, in the US, the government always has the first lien on your real estate.  

NA Beard I am not an expert but I think the FNMA programs require 20% equity from the borrower.

Any legit bank programs that are asset driven usually still look at your credit score and usually won't do $20K loans. 

Due to the type of tenant and high turnover with damage to the unit and collections the scale might not be large enough.You could have 50 units at 1,200 a door and possibly have a better quality asset and more stable tenants that do not work 2 jobs to get by and rely on charity and government type assistance.

I have a software program that finds me the most deeply discounted properties in a zip code, both on market and off market. 

However, sometimes folks don't make that distinction, any more than they know that the BBB is not an arm of any government.