The problem is I have no idea of knowing what is owed on the first position deed of trust.

I would apply to all of my dream homes and trust that the landlords can't refuse me because I would be protected under the Fair Housing Act. 

Make sure you are sold on the particular project to get a level of comfort.Past projects might have been A to B areas where upside was greater and risk was lower.

An NFL player at 250 lbs is going to be a different fitness level than couch potato that weighs 250 lbs.

You will have the opportunity to meet like minded individuals with all different levels of investing. 

Whoever created the trust should be able to help you with that.

I would still work with a title company on this and let your lender know (if you have one) of the name change and what you are doing so they do not think you are selling the property.Another option would be to create a living trust for estate purposes and transfer it into the estate.

Will you please break that down for clarity at a newby level?

A better idea is to purchase it inside of a LandTrust, making your LLC a beneficiary of the trust. 

Any recommendations on trusted lenders and contractors in the Michigan area?