Hey @Joy Daniels, I read everything I can all the time.I read a few blogs that go over products and some design.

I will also be doing all the cosmetic things you can think of: paint, flooring, bathroom reno, kitchen reno, so I am open to carpenter or design suggestions.  

Since I'm taking such a cash hit, I asked the sellers agent if they would be able to designate some portion of the sale price ($200k?)

I would designing, renovating and managing the property.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

The one big caution I would have for investors on the design is don’t make the room size too small.

Yes, by other name, by other design, but it's a loan. 

I know REIGuard is easy and designed for investors.

Second, in terms of asset protection, LLCs are not invincible, but I think what many don’t understand is that they are not designed to completely shield your assets from liabilities, on the contrary they are designed to contain and isolate liabilities. 

I believe the competitors are more expensive with unnecessary features.