Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

The STR deal could be the best option if I understand your situation correctly, except I would probably do this as a cash-out refi and just use the combination of booking history + AirDNA projected income to qualify (if not operated as a STR for a year).

They had there place and time, were handy as heck at the time, unfortunately the old books and "programs" seem to keep going like the living dead even when the content has become completely outdated. 

If you have the right type of home, it will book well. 

Continue educating yourself through books and online courses tailored to real estate and market analysis.

@Dennis SmithWe know of 4 major and consistent content-producers in this space:Al Williamson - Offers a course, ongoing coaching, monthly group meetings, been a landlord a long time, we took his course in 2020 at a discounted rate--our view it was worth every penny; Based in Northern CA Jesse Vasquez - Great YouTube content, unique takes, often wears his hat on backwards during his videos; Based in CAKellie Michelle - Great YouTube content, clear and concise, Based in smaller midwest cityErin Spradin - Wrote a book, good YouTube content, Unsure where she is basedMy sense is that Al has been at it the longest, but they all seem good to me, though we've only taken Al's course.

He has become a celebrity because his financial advice is very popular as are his books he has authored.If you are going to belittle Mr Ramsey perhaps you should include your personal biography including how many people you have helped.

So then I repeated and the agent still missed some points of how I wanted the offer presented.Second, coming from the BP book, I am coming in with an offer well below asking as an investor.

But, in the event you really are persuaded that it is important to separate each asset, ensure that whoever is managing the books/monies on the LLCs are doing it 100% correctly as even a small mistake can allow would-be litigants to pierce the corporate veil and render all of it in vein anyway. 

We listen to the podcast and have started reading the books but the analysis paralysis is real especially having the money to actually do something and never having this much in our bank before at once!