Ended up in a lawsuit with one and had to get the bank to have their attorneys forcibly remove another from a mortgage due to total negligence and abandoning a project.

Some lenders won't share appraisals with anyone but their client -- just had this happen to me, so my buyer can ask me questions, but if the lender won't discuss it with me, then I am very limited in ability to assist.    

I'd start by talking to a mortgage broker/loan officer to find out how much you're qualified for. 

The most obvious is that you will be able to offset your mortgage with renting out a few rooms.

I have been told that many financial institutions don't approve seller financing a second mortgage for the down payment. 

I'm looking forward to networking, and meeting like-minded individuals, maybe future partners, lenders, agents, contractors, etc.

It will have to be a private loan, hard money, a portfolio lender or cash of your own. 

Sometimes the lender will allow you to open a new HELOC and roll this balance into it.

The personal mortgage will still be in your name regardless of any seller financing to an LLC or title change to an LLC.  

Make sure you discuss the logistics of taking draws with your lenders ahead of time so they give you the green light.This is in fact something that can be done and investors do.