We use lilyturf grass in some flower beds with partial sun and are drought resistant which usually holds up well throughout the year without any intervention.

.... or, does each unit have its own electric resistance heat (either via convectional baseboards, hydronic baseboards or forced air)?

I started learning investing with that as my fantasy "new life," and was quickly disillusioned by what I read, but this is (almost) fanning that flame back to life.

Resist the pressure, take your time, and get the most you can out of this property.  

Chris -Maura made some excellent points in her posting above.The path of least resistance for you will be to deal with a local banker that you get to know personally and that understands your business.  

Currenly considering liquidating my Australian property and transferring the funds over to Japan - I just can't resist the extra few thousands of dollars monthly income I can get there. :)All the best!

Impervious to water and is Very scratch resistant.

Sorry, I just couldn't resist the bathroom humor.For the most part, I am seeing opportunities that involve SFH, either owner occupied or investment property with tenant.

If she is resistant to the very idea of the LLC, is she going to be willing to put in the attention to detail to manage the LLCs properly?

Water can come in through a tiny hole and then travel for a ways until it finds the path of least resistence.