We are in that process now, and are heading towards a 30 yr fixed loan because it will be a smaller payment, thus freeing up cash flow to fund deal(s).

My question is: is it possible to raise the rent up to market rates if a new tenant is placed, or does the unit need significant upgrades to justify such an increase?

I also live in Virginia (outside of Richmond) but I was born and raised in Virginia Beach and went to college in Norfolk.

Money market, mutual fund, savings?

The issue arises when the lender is not on as a loss payee and the owner takes the funds and runs.

I was raised not far away from you in Cochranton, which is southeast of Meadville by 10 miles.    

Only cash and certified funds are accepted as payment.

No firsthand experience, but every time I've seen this question come up the responses indicate that for a few small units LLC will not protect you better than simply adding an umbrella policy to your insurance while being more complicated and expensive to maintain.Also many snags to consider such as banks not likely to finance residential property to the name of an LLC, transferring to an LLC later can trigger a due on sale clause in your mortgage, if you mix personal funds and LLC funds to pay for something you can negate all legal protections.

Also, what are some of the things that one could do to perform due diligence before investing in this sort of crowd funding site?

Does anyone have any knowledge in investing in ICO's (Intial Coin Offerings) I am considering it as a method to raise capital to later invest in Real Estate.