So far we have contacted friends that are real estate agents, family members that are loan officers, etc.

Maybe there is something I'm overlooking but I don't see how each unit could be controlled individually let alone billed individually.I agree, I said something like that to an HVAC friend of mine once, he told me it can be done is done often.

Wanted to check with the community which banks are fairly friendly to investors looking for a HELOC on their primary.   

if nothing else it would be good to hear from old friend. 

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I had a friend tell me he formed his in a different state because they had more lenient laws and regulations.

You manage well your asset will last through bad eco 

Just tell them to be your friend :) 

Existing relationship with a realtor (good friend) ) who helped a brother out.

You you can't imagine my delight when I discovered that in tenant friendly New Jersey a holdover tenant can be charged twice the previous rent!