Utilities are less of a concern because you should let your tenants pay if units are individually metered or use a chargeback system if they are not individually metered.  

Meanwhile, I was building credibility with them by showing a strong work ethic and that I grasped the concepts they were teaching me.

Oh, you'll have some naive loan officer tell you otherwise, however at the last minute they will require you to "temporarily" deed out and vest as an individual.

The Trust, LLC or the individual investor?

Don't know specifically about the Homestyle, but if the half plex is titled individually, yes it is SFR, just like a townhouse or condo.

I got mine to use for myself,  help friends and family,  and help others by word of mouth (i.e. part time).You need to find a smaller Broker that is cheaper and who will sit down and teach you one on one.  

I've learned to analyze commercial deals on that book but doesn't teach you how to go about and get financing and to refinance banks only do 75% LTV.

FHA/traditional loans are limited to no more than 4 individual loans per person (you can't buy in the LLC name) and no more than four units (doors) per loan.  

(This is considered to be the same as total ownership of an individual property).Note: Other properties owned or financed jointly by the borrower and co-borrower are only counted once. Joint or total ownership of a property that is held in the name of a corporation or S-corporation, even if the borrower is the ownerof the corporation; however, the financing is in the name of the borrower. Obligation on a mortgage debt for a residential property (regardless of whether or not the borrower is an owner of the property). Ownership of property that is held in the name of a limited liability company (LLC) or partnership where the borrower(s) havean individual or combined ownership in the LLC or partnership of 25% or more, regardless of the entity (or borrower) that is theobligor on the mortgage. Ownership of a property that is held in the name of an LLC or partnership where the borrower(s) have an individual or combinedownership in the LLC or partnership of less than 25% and the financing is in the name of the borrower. Ownership of a manufactured home and the land on which it is situated that is titled as real propertyType of Property Ownership NOT to include in Financed Property Count: Ownership of commercial real estate. Ownership of a multifamily property consisting of more than four dwelling units. Joint or total ownership of a property that is held in the name of a corporation or S-corporation, even if the borrower is the owner of the corporation and the financing is in the name of the corporation or S-corporation. Ownership in a timeshare. Ownership of a vacant (residential) lot. Ownership of a property that is held in the name of an LLC or partnership where the borrower(s) have an individual or combinedownership in the LLC or partnership of less than 25% and the financing is in the name of the LLC or partnership. Ownership of a manufactured home on a leasehold estate not titled as real property (chattel lien on the home).

We have a meeting coming up Thursday, July 7, 7-8pm at 205 W Boutz Rd Building 2 in Las Cruces.Our guest speaker this month is Henry Apodaca with First American Bank and he's going to teach about the underwriting process and about investor relationships with traditional lenders (as per the request of group members).