You can then show experience in the REI industry since you both have investment properties, and have existing mature assets in the LLC.

Hi I am new to this industry (learning it for a few years but...)and want my first deal. 

@James Wise,I'm not sure if it just shows how a few years in the industry jades you, but with 75% of them, i thought "Not that bad, just need some good bleach and a hefty scrub brush!" 

Utilities are also a concern

I am studying real estate during my free time but would love to get some hands on experience especially meeting people in the industry!

If buying a commercial investment (Multi-family 5+ units or retail, industrial, etc.) you may need both Commercial Property insurance & General Liability insurance. 

These are government owned/run utility companies, not private companies.

At closing they get their initial investment back from the closing attorney, and about 15 days later, after all of the final bills have come in, utility deposits back, etc., then the profit split is paid out.Usually they are feeling the process out during the first one they invest on. 

You also Google for hard money lenders, or even utilize Connected Investor to find hard money lenders.

(maybe they've been thinking about selling due to under utilization?)