They want to work with people who have the funds and not potential flakes who are trying some way off the wall transaction and structure that has an extremely tiny chance of every happening.If a broker/agent runs an efficient business model of transaction after transaction then that type of buyer working on a long shot is not their ideal client.

My concern and probably your's is the transition from a paying job to a job that typically takes months before you build your network and close on your first deal. 

Hey BP question:Im currently in the end process of buying my first property a multi, extremely excited and nervous.

I am not sure what concerns you are talking about?

I was also looking into hard money lenders, however my concern is that I may not be able to refinance the property after the term due to my credit situation and I would be in a bad place with the lender.

Buying artificial cash flow is extremely expensive and counter productive to the intent of investing in income producing real-estate.How do you see this increasing your returns.

I'll also tell you that I've shared my spreadsheet with other agents (in other markets) when my offer price would be extremely different from the listing price. 

As far as the IRS is concerned LLCs do not exist.

I am looking for some advice concerning investments with my partner a.k.a. my brother.

Although contractors are definitely extremely spoiled right now and have tons of work and are charging an arm and a leg, you can still find reasonable work by being proactive in 1.