First of all he has a business model that has worked pretty darn well for him for a bunch of years so don't discard that quickly because of what some spreadsheet tells you about hypothetical/potential returns. 

We don't have any desire to flip or make a quick buck.

If you and your wife are interested in connecting with other local investors, the best way to do it quickly is to attend some local REI meetups.

These things can get nasty quick. 

I am preparing to begin a campaign knocking on doors and sending yellow letters to buy a multi-family home and would welcome any advice and/or encouragement you all have to offer.Thanks!

You will quickly find out just how that court interpreted the law and what the court believed was permitted and prohibited.

@Upen Patel is correct of course regarding the LLC, so I would encourage you to ask him specific lending questions. 

My goals are to pay this thing off as quickly as possible, while looking for more like it.  

Honestly, I was shocked that all of them responded so quickly and eagerly - and somehow all of them had the time and bandwidth.

Now it's done and you do your best.Don't rash into anything quickly in such an emotional time - you'll regret later.