We will be drafting up a contract for the lender with X amount cost to build/finance.

I have my first Wholesale deal under contract.

Any way to delay the official sale to keep taxes low while still maintaining a contract to buy? 

After the LOI is accepted, rejected, or ten negotiated, you go to contract.

@Fahima Hilal an architect usually only outlines mechanicals, plumbing & electrical on their blueprints.Your contracts should be creating appropriate drawings showing where their stuff would go and submit to city with their permit application.

If they treat you poorly in the sales process, they will treat you poorly when your locked in a 1 year contract.

What did your management contract state about screening prospective tenants and your involvement? 

We have our first duplex in contract now but the dream would be for my partner and I to leave our W-2 too!

I've noticed many investors initially write their contracts under an LLC, only to later amend the contract to their personal name to secure better financing options.

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.