So buy their books, join their programs, engage in their community. 5.

I imagine the big players do not keep single residential units in their own LLC's, but that is just speculation on my part.Erik 

I know this because I run the Central WI REIA and most of the real players in the area are only making low all cash offers or using conventional financing.

As the buyer you decide what you want to pay and hope you have a agent that 1- will offer it and 2- will do a good job negotiating it.Bottom line is, assuming your agent is fully engaged and on your team, you make all the decisions.

I really enjoyed reading his book: it was engaging and a smooth read. 

As you mentioned, I make sure I have enough umbrella insurance.I also engaged in other businesses, so I also file returns for LLC's, S Corp, and even a C Corp for a while, so another LLC for the rentals would just be another return.

The loans are assumable so even if you intend to sell the buyer could assume, much easier to modify the Agency loan versus a CMBS loan.The other players (outside of commercial banks) are life insurance companies.

I have some insight from a local property manager on what their complex is short on and I have comp sheets of all the major players for comparison but is there a better way to hone in the mix?

Don't hesitate to reach out to people and engage in conversation, and post questions- its how we learn.

We have engaged an amazing bookkeeping company that has numerous real estate clients.