Also, the offerer wanted me to use their preferred lender who couldn't approve me even when I had a pre-approval for significantly higher amount from another lender, we wasted 2 weeks with the offerer's preferred lender.

Offerer wanted me to use their preferred lender for no reason, I went with my lender who had me preapproved.

If I kept my current salary when buying the next primary home, this wouldn’t be a problem but my employer won’t allow the remote work and I would prefer to stop working for money at that time.Questions:1.  

Yes, $45K is plenty to invest into a SFR home or a (2-4 unit) preferably by living in one of the units. 

We considered forming an LLC and sharing capital that way, but we know that lenders prefer to loan to individuals rather than LLCs with no income.  

Unless you would prefer to pay them to move.....but I don't know why you would.....

Some landlords prefer to engage more with their tenants, some even on a first name basis.

Hi Nicole-Do you have a preference for the type of investing you’re looking to do (flip, rental, etc)?

As first time STR investors, my wife and I are trying hard to nail down our CCCs before reaching out to a real estate agent in our preferred market.

Donr know anything about investing in larger things than 1-4 or commercial financing or anything-- But looking to expand my horizons and looking for like minded folks preferably locals but  obviously not necessarily.