I'm not so sure about well-versed, but here's my take:Since STRs have boomed in popularity among investors, just like any other investment, there are leeches who figure out ingenious, almost invisible ways to steal from us. 

Strategies that I've considered are: Conventional 20% down on small multifamily properties until I run out of financing, paying "cash" (using invisible cash, HELOC, retirement funds, or a combination thereof) and re/financing, and/or getting an FHA 3.5% down on a small multifamily property, but I think the order in which I do this can be optimized as doing some will lock out others. 

She wants to be completely invisible essentially.I've already spoken to a RE attorney and he says this is over his head and doesnt understand the situation, i currently have scheduled meetings with other attorneys, but would love to hear from the infinite wisdom of my fellow BPers.How would I structure a LLC and distribute either monthly or quarterly to my mother-in-law?

But a good 1031 exchange is a seamless invisible process that only takes a couple more signatures from the client.

So its not like we are invisible. 

Test to see what works.John Martinez has a great video on this on his YT channel - the invisible funnel he calls it.  

Only those who can see the invisible can achieve the impossible!

Sadly, with modern methods, the differences between a 5-year tile floor and a 75-year tile floor are mostly invisible.

I kinda buy the argument that Jefferson didn't invision state of the art weapons but rather those necessary for self defense and hunting.

Joe Gore @Joe Gore and Bill Gulley , I've offered up a question (actually 2 questions) for you elsewhere: http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/109-goals-business-plans-entities/topics/106050-being-invisible