Happy to provide additional input in this area. 2) Approach credit unions and local banks.

Here's a multi-family real estate query for Union City that may help: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Union-City_NJ/type-multi-family-home/pnd-hide/sby-1

I am also active military and work with a ton with other military members throughout the first part of the year.

@Erik Stone many small banks and credit unions will lend to LLCs, along with many of the larger hard money lenders

Also, speak to a few commercial lenders at local community banks or credit unions in your area because they can do a commercial loan which allows you to qualify based on the property income compared to your personal DTI.

I've had great experience working with credit unions in my area on all types of deals.

Is there a nearby military base (which I don't like at all)?

We will be contacting local banks/credit unions, etc - but does anyone have any specifics that worked for them? 

The local banks and local credit unions are the best options for rates/terms (make certain that you are communicating with the "commercial" lending department - even if the property is a single family rental, as it is titled by an LLC, making it a commercial transaction).

My advice is, go talk to smaller, local banks and credit unions.