I was scouting online for financing (mostly hard money) for acquiring rental units.

I plan to acquire more properties so I would already have that expense worked in to the expenses.

I have been investing my money in professional licenses and the accompanying expenses leaving very little to acctually acquire property.

Once he sees how to minimize or mitigate the risks while still producing income / ROI, I think he'll come around more quickly than if you attempt to acquire income property in your own name putting your personal and marital assets at risk.My $0.02 ...

Are legal entities or LLCs needed when you acquire your first rental property or is this more for someone with a larger portfolio?

We are finishing up a couple projects and are looking to acquire another.

http://blog.credit.com/2015/10/the-new-foreclosure...Article from 2015 indicating the second mortgages or HELOCS acquired in 2005-2006 are reaching the 10 year mark, where they commonly reset from interest only payments to repayment of the principal and interest. http://www.housingwire.com/articles/33150-how-many...References a RealtyTrac report that supports the information above. 

so long you are very clear in your ad that you are looking for a lender to lend you the money to acquire a property than I don't think you should have any issues.Usually lenders are the ones who need to comply with Dodd Frank and not the borrower. 

So I am wondering what a fair income is for someone to help me with acquiring properties and managing all of that.

Qualified acquisition costs mean the costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a residence, including any usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other closing costs.