Those needing assistance raising money will benefit more from a service like what iFunding offers.

I would put all the money for the down payment and closing costs. 

Honestly private money is not hard to find if you have the credit and down payment amount.

We took out a heloc from the SFH to get the money down for the duplex which we lived in one of the units.

.- Your out-of-state investor agent should have plenty of recommendations for local contractors, lenders (conventional and hard money), property managers, etc. and be able to identify appropriate assumptions for your analysis (e.g., appreciation, vacancy, rent estimates, etc.).If you have questions, feel free to PM me--happy to help.

It's great to have you here.Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...Check out BP Money Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/..

Refinanced them both to get my money out but they only rent for $795 and $775 but property taxes are a little cheaper in AL. 

None of this stuff by itself is a ton of money, but add it all up and it cuts into profits.

Made a lump sum and now I make money in interest payments and I don’t have to have touch the house as far as repairs or landlording at all.  

where I do think it helps is if your raising money from folks and or with banks..MBA gives some credibility for sure..