Now IMPORTANT..IMMEDIATELY remove your social media icons from the top of your website.

Docusign wouldn't work for this, and I have concerns about the true security of Dropbox and similar cloud storage (contact support for any of these providers and the support person almost always has complete access to your files - doesn't feel secure enough to me for storing borrower social security numbers or statements with bank account numbers visible).In researching how other private lenders are operating, I see many of them have custom websites with (assumed) encrypted backends - as a small lender, the cost of custom web presence is prohibitive and probably unnecessary until I reach a higher deal flow.So am I overthinking this aspect?

Additionally, you can check community forums or social media groups related to the neighborhood for firsthand accounts from residents.It's also helpful to reach out to local real estate agents who have in-depth knowledge of the area.

It's a local REI meetup that's on the first Tuesday of every month at Red Stick Social on Government St.

Dividends are not subject to Social Security / Medicare taxes while LLC earnings passed thru would be.  

One potential advantage is to elect to have the operating LLC taxed as a corporation, which is taxed at a flat 21% rate (although if dividends are paid out they are additionally taxed) or an S corporation, where net income is “passed thru” to you individually but no social security or Medicare tax is due.  

You'll want to find one that is just a local company and ask for proof they are setup to handle Class C & D neighborhoods/properties/tenants.Read on for some copy & paste advice about this:Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

The threat of large losses arising from liability has alot to do about your area, the court system and the prevailing political and social environment.

I have told him that I will share my experience on social media if he doesn't finish by today but we still have quite a bit left to do.

Upon further investigation, this certification is given by a non-profit called B-Lab on the basis of their "Theory of Change, defining social, environmental, and governance best practices for businesses."