Ruben, can you expand on why you want to work with each individual listing agents rather than having your own buyer's agent?

@Korie Apgar, is there a criteria the bank looks for to make the decision to appraise it as a commercial building and base the appraisal on cap rate and lease values or is it up to the individual to seek out a specific lender that will do a commercial lending refi on the multifamily?

Should we buy our first few properties in our individual names in order to get conventional financing (lower rates, longer terms)?

Talk to a professional like a CPA and they can help you decide what will work best for your individual situation.

Some invaluable insight there.For your "rent to a group" strategy, are you thinking that they're under one lease or separate leases per individual?

@Christopher Abernathy your individual profiles aside - it happens sometimes that funds run out.

I have responded individually to some of you, but to the group my main goal is to pay down my student debt and eventually have the financial freedom to invest in real estate full time. 

It's more complicated to wholesale underwater homes as banks take precautions to prevent individuals from wholesaling short sales.

If you own multiple properties those combined reserves can be used to cover short term shortages of an individual property.  

They are great to network and meet other like minded individuals who may know the area your looking to invest in, may have a mortgage company, may find an attorney, etc..They have been through the process and may give you sound advice.