Also because even on NNN leases sometimes the owner is responsible for let say paving the parking lot  or some other expenses.  

In the mean time it drastically reduces my out of pocket expense and gives me a great rate.

I hate to tell you, but in trying to save costs, I think you've taken the most expensive route.

If anyone has other less expensive alternative suggestions I would be eternally grateful!  

There are some benefits of shielding, but it doesn't really matter because the crowdfunding platform will know who you are anyway.Set up as an investment vehicle, you will have the ability to offset your income with expenses that you pay to run it.

I'm thinking this is a convenient way for the CU to limit their exposure, at my equity expense!

I never got financials that I trust, so I have no idea what their expenses were.  

But if I can't find one in my price range (as somewhat nice Baltimore areas are expensive) I would like to buy a house to rehab it while living in it. 

But lets say I purchased a duplex for $175,000 on a 3.5%FHA loan ($6,125 down) how much money would you consider putting in a reserve going into the deal for later expenses?

If I am understanding the above correctly, does this mean that we should buy a more expensive property for our first, perhaps a triplex with three income-producing apartments, since that is our one opportunity to pay only 3.5% down?