It can provide a centralized entity for ownership, making it easier to add new properties to the LLC's portfolio.Credit and Financing: Having properties owned by an LLC may impact your ability to obtain financing or refinance existing mortgages.

However, given the mortgage and the rent levels, you have the ability to let time dig you out of your hole.

I would much rather have the benefit of cash flow, forced equity through improvements, appreciation, and depreciation working for me. also have the ability to sell or cash out refi if I needed a large sum of money in the future.

And yet I don't have the time or the ability to manage STRs since I'm always gone.

Curious if you or @Zach Lemaster has any perspective to share on the ability to find a property from which you can retrieve a sizable-enough amount of equity to repeat the process.

The return needs to have ability to noticeably improve life.  

Do I think Matt and Mercedes and the team are scam artists?

For example, you could find deals that have good long-term potential and buy enough money down so they throw off a bit of cashflow, but not so much equity that it limits your ability to scale.

The cost for this will be about $8000 vs the ability to get $500/month in rent which is a much better option.

Leverage is always cheaper than having a partner.Paying cash for me is important when:  Paying cash gives the seller confidence in my ability as a buyer.