Besides traditional banks to access the equity via HELOC or refinance, what other programs are there via private lenders that will allow me to access that equity?

Michael already gave a great answer, I just wanted to add that owner financed deals are usually better risk wise then taking on a traditional loan yourself.

Here is an article that I wrote for BP that will provide some more insight to this structure: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/the-traditional-llc-vs-the-series-llc-which-is-better-for-real-estate-investors/Also please feel free to Dm me or leave a reply if you have more questions.Podcast #109 here on BP will also give a nice high level overview.

If you feel that you need in-person support, and more of a traditional brokerage model eXp won't be for you.

Traditional Landlord insurance from the typical companies like liberty mutual and statefarm or some kind of commerical insurance is better? 

Background:I am under contract for a 3 unit property and have traditional financing available but have thought about the idea of asking a family member to loan me the money instead.

@Robin CastilloLLCs are useful for legal protection, but they require separate tax filing, typically cost several hundred dollars to create, and most non-commercial lenders will not lend to LLCs.Commercial lenders will lend to LLCs, but their interest rates are significantly higher and they require collateral that regular lenders don't.I would not create a LLC specifically due to the issues in getting a traditional mortgage it will likely cause.One potential route though, is to get a traditional mortgage in your name and then assume the loan after a 6mo "seasoning" period with your LLC.

Some people do extremely well with section 8 but if you are diving head first into it, you may want to start with a traditional rental first to get a feel for it. 

They would pay us, the management company a small non-refundable annual fee that is basically a third of their traditional deposit.

**Private Money Lenders**: If traditional lending sources aren’t providing favorable terms, private money lenders can be a viable alternative.