Personally, I love them because they offer built-in diversification.In my experience, local banks are your best bet for financing mixed-use properties.

That is not a small thing.Banks are audited for “suspicious account activities” and a notice gets sent to the FBI.

My role will be running day to day operations/ property management/ taking calls and running all activities after the rehab.Our initial thoughts are 1/3 equity.Quick Rental details: we purchased the home for 30k.

Even at $60,000 a unit - that is a $1.2 million deal... and realistically I bet they will be over $100,000 each... all just a guess... but when you get into these price points and you are "new to real estate" as your title in your post suggests - I think you are probably getting in over your head for a first deal.  

Betting on future price appreciation and equity growth is just that "betting". 

It seemed like a safe bet.

If these groups are significant, it suggests there’s pent-up demand that could enter the market when one of two things happen:Rates Drop - Rates fall to levels that allow more buyers to qualify for the homes they want.Buyer Expectations Shift - Buyers realize that 5% rates aren’t coming back soon and decide to move forward.Based on the increase in activity I saw in Sept and Oct in my business, when rates hit low 6s, I'd say my market has plenty of pent-up demand. 

In fact, many, though not all, of these “experts” are washed up and no longer active in the market.

If this current realtor isn't getting it done for you, I have a broker/PM that fits that description that I can connect you with if you'd like.There are also very active investor groups on Facebook if you want to try the FSBO route.

Listen actively to their needs and concerns.