I've tried QB (admittedly, didn't try for long) and it didn't seem to be a good fit.

It is likely most of them are familiar with both conventional, FHA and potentially other financing options that could be a good fit.

It is still a hands on, dirt in your fingernails, paint on your clothes business.

That will determine what type of brokerage is the right fit as you learn.

. - LLC doc sets are fairly cheap and easy to create these days (with limited assistance from lawyers) and its much much better to have that cover bases on arrangements like this - it will also fit nicely with financing options - whether you take on debt from a lender in a co-equity situation like your first plan (refinance loan to LLC post rehab?)

Let's connect, love to know more about your project and see what program might fit.

But it only works if it fits your goals.  

I'm confident this is a good fit. 

Depending on what your overall budget is and how much you want to be involved in the house, there are many areas of Orlando that would be a good fit.

Make sure these expenses fit into your investment plans and budget.In short, while you don’t have to set up an LLC before buying your first property, it can definitely offer some solid benefits like liability protection, tax flexibility, and a more professional image.