I then did the same idea in my business that I had for 25 years.

You need the right solution for your day to day operations.Your need is to make the management side easy, so that you can analysis your accounting, business and management all with only one entry.

As a landlord, you are representing yourself to the public as a business. 

Now most of my deals are a combination of our business money, bank money, hard money, and private money.  

When you say "we," are you speaking about your business or your personal tax returns, or does your business flow into your personal returns because you file as a sole proprietor?  

Operating your rental like a business is mandatory to protect you, your ROI, and your property.Hope this helps...

I have experience investing (own 2 STRs and an assisted living home+business).

Unfortunately, the tenant didn’t think me showing up to have a brief conversation was important enough to fit me in her busy schedule.

With an LLC, you may be able to deduct business expenses more effectively and avoid double taxation.

You can put your license in referral at most brokerages and pay no fees and still be able to do referral business.