Looking for contractor that is reliable and does good work, that is comfortable with using 'big box store' quality materials and working quickly.

Once you get comfortable with that, you can move on to the next one which might be a little different, but much easier now that the ball is rolling. 

I'd consider any private funding arrangement that also offers a share of the equity returns to be a JV deal.It's pretty common, provided the lender is very comfortable with the competence and integrity of the investor.

However I don’t know how comfortable I would be with someone else’s money on my first investment (understandably right?). 

The other shoe that will drop is no state, city or county revenue.

How many properties do you think you need to live comfortably? 

We screened 3 different property management companies and selected the one we felt most comfortable with.

When it comes to multifamily you should go as big as you can based on your financials, experience and comfort level.

I am interested in connecting my investing with a double-bottom line objective - helping others too. I also see an opportunity to make an attractive return with the right team. Looking for a property management compan...

You may be required to put up more money in the beginning until they are comfortable working with you.