This is surprising given the fact that it is one of Astoria’s most densely populated areas.

I am surprised it took you almost 20 minutes, though. 

sounds like the do hardmoney model and from the same neck of the woods.. would not be surprised if it was the same actors or an off shoot of them 

Surprised you cannot get an answer.

Decently likely she's trying to pull one over on you, and even if she's not, collecting rent by card in general comes with a lot of things that could wrong and hardly any upside except convenience.

Operating Convenience Administration: Managing the LLC might be easier if it’s formed in the state where you reside, especially if you plan to handle administrative tasks yourself.

thanks @Greg M.that sounds like a nightmare but how am I not surprised.  

I am always surprised at how many taxpayers don't want to pay for tax planning so they can make informed decisions.

Upon phone messaging or emailing them my first big surprise was that quite a few commercial agents wouldn’t even return the call or seemed standoffish.

This scenario is extremely common and while I exaggerated numbers for effect, I have had this conversation with clients and their CPAs and the client is usually surprised when you put the numbers on paper.