We're thinking small multifamily (2-4 but maybe up to 6 in the right circumstances) are most likely to make economic sense. 

In April due to life circumstance I bought out my last remaining partner and now am a 100% shareholder but am in the process of dissolving the LLC and doing a quit claim deed to transfer title to my name.Question # 1 does a quit claim deed from a LLC to a personal holder of title affect the 1031 if it is done prior to closing (even though the quit claim deed was filed during escrow)I am trying to purchase a property with the "intent as a rental" though (in over 2 years) we may choose to do a "conversion" into a primary residence and definitely plan to keep the new property longer than 5 years.Question # 2 does the new 2018 tax law have any bearings on this plan.  

I wouldn't begrudge someone keeping quiet about having an unusually vast amount of money for their circumstances.

If so, I'm leaning towards it, as that might be the most reasonable based on circumstances/timing. 

I’ll still be building equity with the help of a tenant, I’ll have my foot in the door and I’ll be saving 480/mo compared to my current circumstance. 

., That's a pretty healthy pile of evidence that your intent when you purchased it was to hold for productive use and that circumstances not of your choosing are causing you to sell when your preference would be to hold. 

But there could always be circumstances warranting a shorter or longer hold period.When you eventually sell that new rental converted primary there are some changes in how much tax free profit you will get. 

Would there be any legal circumstance where the renters would be able to keep their current rent if they do not have a long term lease agreement in place? 

So an organized packet kinda sorta might make a slight difference under perfect circumstances, and for big loans, for small stuff it's just turn and burn.

Because everyone's circumstances are completely different.