Have done business with them before, neither wanted to touch this deal.

My tenant will be transferring security deposit into my business account.

Been having trouble getting the new HVAC going they must be really busy now

They also want to charge me with libel/slander for leaving reviews of the owners on their other business page.This review is also the 4th search result when you search dj thielen on Google.

I certainly don't want to knock how people advertise or get business...but getting a recommendation from someone who has already vetted that lender helps out considerably. 

However, I am not a veteran, nor do I plan to occupy the property.

If you don't plan on occupying the property you will likely have to put down 25%.

Will depend on several factors like the type of property, type of tenants, your risk tolerance, other assets you own, your estate planning, laws where the property is located, etc.

If you plan on keeping the property, all you need is an LLC which you would be the sole member of, unless he wants to be in it too, so share all those set up expenses, ask him..

They were upfront when I spoke to them but their clients are too busy to give a reference.