If you need an LLC for tax reasons later, you can move title into an LLC later for a couple hundred bucks.

If house hacking isn't the best option for me, how would you recommend starting out to build up some investments.

Demo'd it and build a new 6,200 sq ft single fam. home (modular construction).

It's nothing spectacular, just utility bills, trailing 12, rent rolls or whatever he's got so I can build an accurate assessment and make a fair offer.

Start by talking to a cross-border CPA and attorney to handle taxes and legal structures properly.

If you are setting aside funds for capex, taxes, insurance, or other expenses that don't occur monthly, transfer those funds to Savings each month and hold them there until it's time to spend them.

Now I'm in learning mode as I'd like to build my own mini real estate empire and want to be better informed for my next deal. 

@Jimmy O'Connor I noticed that only trendy bars and coffee shops was one of your top mentions… I think you should also consider school district - at least when it comes to building a rental portfolio in these areas.

In non-community property states a husband/wife LLC is supposed to be treated as a partnership  And transferring from a revocable trust (reported on your 1031) to a partnership LLC (that files it's own tax return) is changing the tax payer. 

Make them build them, so they own them.