We see this as an opportunity to focus on real estate investment and start a new chapter in our lives. 

My current project is a similar scenario - needs a lot of work (+ money for renovation), and I'm turning the basement into a separate unit in order to increase the monthly rental income.

Vacants – You can use SmartyStreets.com to find out which address the post office is not currently delivering to.

I'd be hesitant to break what is working on properties with a low base just to increase units..can/will rental rates increase on the currently owned units? 

My earned income will be going towards my own house and living expenses with little left over for investing out of pocket.How did you overcome the challenge of not having enough money for your first deal?

I currently have two loans throught the VA.

Currently using as a STR.

I currently have a primary residence, which I purchased almost a year ago before I knew about real estate investing.

FYI I used mine for a live in flip, house hack.

The way we look at it however is this sort of situation would be OK - but its a one time referral fee - any sort of arrangement with a long-term referral fee / borrower protection is reserved for true professional mortgage brokers - who like @Chris Seveney mentioned, would be doing more legwork on the deal vs. a simple and clean referral handoffvia CFPB on referral fees for business-purpose hard money loans:§ 1024.5 Coverage of RESPA.THIS VERSION IS THE CURRENT REGULATIONView all versions of this regulationSearch this regulationRegulation X(a) Applicability.