LLC is just another layer of protection.

Experience with STRs - they at least know or can understand the extra steps it takes to make ready the properties, including photos (cleaners hate taking photos, I've found, even though it protects them from being blamed)2.

Protected class in MA

This gives much better diversification protection across geographies, asset types, strategies, investment subclasses etc. versus putting all the eggs into one basket.The downside is that it's not for everyone, and a person has to be comfortable with turning over control to someone else.

The purpose of an LLC is for anonymity or legal protection.

You may want to consider asset protection for the consulting business and/or real estate by holding in appropriate entities, especially depending on how risky the consulting is and how many assets are attributed to that business. 

Based on what I have heard/read thus far, it seems like I don't need a formal legal structure such as LLC for running this is as an active business (but I may set up an LLC for asset protection, which is allowed by my mortgage lender).

I can usually save a decent amount, especially if I keep eyes out for deals and buy when these items are priced most competitively and not necessarily when I need them.Using the bathroom remodel apartment as an example, I will spend $1,500 more per unit than most of my competitors who renovate in the same market but that $1,500  (5% of my apartment renovation budget) gets me  oversized soaking tub in most units, nicer tiled bathrooms, counter tops that don't look like every other apartment in the neighborhood & a step up in appliance package and better quality fixtures.

The LLC only provides basic legal protection.

Associations have rental caps to protect the owners and the resale values in the association.