Consider using the equity in your home with a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit).

My LP will simply provide the majority of the investment up front (approximately 70-80% of upfront cash).We both agree on a 50/50 split of earned equity from the mortgage.

He probably had about $50K of equity in each house when he formed the LLC. 

You are in a good position, for sure.

It seems to me that the bridge would want to be in first position and would ask for the HELOC to be closed or subordinated.  

Perhaps it was a situation where the borrower created value through the entitlement process and the lender treated the imputed equity as the cash contribution.

I am not planning on quitting my day job anytime soon but rather my hope is to gradually grow the amount of income I am able to bring in over the next 5 years to be in a position to make Real Estate my full time gig. 

right now I'm investing primarily in Pittsburgh, and mostly for equity via BRRRR. 

Pre-approval strengthens your position as a serious buyer.Research Loan Options: Explore different loan programs and understand their pros and cons.

I invest in Michigan, we still have many areas with both positive cash flow and appreciation.