I'm in a situation where I would actually prefer to turn my crowdfunding investments (over $300k of investments across 45 deals) into a trade or business and report it on Schedule C and opt into paying social security tax, etc. instead of just reporting aggregating the income from 1099s and K-1s onto the interest/dividends line of my tax return.  

If leveraging, I am thinking of money NOT secured by the property that you are buying so that you can at least pocket these potential extra closing costs.

I feel that I have a decent amount of knowledge on the many aspects of real estate but I am here to learn more so that I can achieve the financial security that everyone dreams of.

Do you suggest I secure a line of credit before I look at any more properties? 

It helped me to at least fathom how many possibilities there actually are when it comes to securing that first property. 

After speaking with some specialist securities attorneys we have our basic structure locked down.  

I am currently a licensed attorney, and am looking forward to putting my legal knowledge to use in my efforts to secure cash flow properties.

I would much rather, every single day rather, collect 8-12% interest on a well secured note in my backyard than own a house in a market a thousand miles away that is full of other investors all hoping to collect a rent check.

His only concern is getting a reasonable rate of return that outperforms the market with a secured and collateralized cash flowing commercial property. 

Sounds like you just "lucked out" with some rotten kids nearby.I've had some success with "security cameras in use" signs, you can buy them at the Home Depot for $3.