Originally posted by @Tony Johnson:Hello BP, Can anyone give me some tips or something to read on how to "legally" raise private money outside of friends and familySure, join a civic minded group like the Kiwanas, Church, Lions Chamber of Commerce, meet some people and when they ask you what you do, tell them.

I'm affiliated with several organizations and churches who are seeking vacation rentals, which I planned to rent to with sizable deposits.

No one's name is up there for attending the same church with any "suspect", or eating at the same club.

One of the biggest factors for lenders is whether or not the church is a recognized denomination or non denominational, etc.

Sunday is my 'Driving for Dollars' day after attending church, but today is just too cold!  

Review these documents for clues yo other addresses related to the record owner.2) Ask neighbors if owner belonged to local church or fraternal organizations.

And ya, they buy some crappy houses, and I have helped with the church on cleaning up after the tenants destroy the place so I have some first-hand experience there.

Has anyone had experience buying a church and converting it to apartments?

Friends, family, school chums, church, etc all are okay to approach for a Join Venture or a syndication.

Make sure your rental is listed on MLS (co-op commission paid if you are paying agent one months rent), realtor com, Zillow ($10/week), zumper, Airbnb, Hotpads/trulia (part of Zillow), apartments com, Facebook marketplace, Facebook community groups / church or other local groups on FB or websites like local classifieds.