Essentially the goal is to jump start the equity game, and reduce or remove my living expense.

Note: I am the GC and the Realtor so fees are already reduced. 

Putting together a solid team will reduce risks and expedite your investing process.Establish Specific Goals: Whether your goal is to increase your wealth through real estate, attain financial independence, or generate passive income, clearly define your investing objectives.

Let's break down the pros and cons of each approach:Forming an LLC in the State Where the Property is Located:Pros:Compliance with Local Laws: Establishing an LLC in the state where the property is situated ensures compliance with local regulations and laws specific to that jurisdiction.Legal Clarity: It provides clear legal jurisdiction and may simplify any legal proceedings related to the property in that state.Perception: Operating with a local LLC may give tenants and local authorities confidence in your commitment to the community.Cons:Additional Costs: Setting up and maintaining an LLC in another state means incurring additional registration fees, taxes, and possibly hiring local legal counsel.Administrative Burden: Managing multiple LLCs across different states adds complexity to your administrative workload, including extra paperwork and compliance requirements.Tax Implications: You may face tax obligations in both the state where the property is located and your home state, potentially leading to double taxation or complexities in tax filings.Managing Through Home State LLC:Pros:Simplified Management: Handling all properties under a single LLC streamlines administrative tasks, reducing paperwork and simplifying tax filings.Cost Savings: Avoiding the need to establish multiple LLCs in different states saves on registration fees, legal expenses, and ongoing maintenance costs.Consistency: Uniformity in management practices and legal structures may contribute to efficiency and ease of operation across your real estate portfolio.Cons:Legal Exposure: Operating out-of-state properties under a home state LLC may expose your personal assets to the laws and liabilities of the other state, potentially diminishing the liability protection the LLC offers.Compliance Challenges: You'll need to ensure your home state LLC meets the legal requirements for conducting business in other states, which could involve additional filings and fees.Perception and Credibility: Some tenants or local stakeholders may prefer dealing with a landlord who has a local presence, which could impact your reputation or relationships in the community.Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

We are going to buy a primary again in California, but are we missing any legal opportunities to reduce that tax burden?

Recently reduced price.

I also ask if they can reduce their minimum on my first investment with them.

Foreigner investors can either pay a flat tax of 30% of their gross rental income or elect to file an annual US tax return and reduce their taxes by claiming deductions relating to ownership and managing the property.

So, to reduce overall taxes and to avoid double taxation, I think I should do it via an LLC that flows through directly to me.

If you are going to pay your cards off to reduce your utilization before a refi, make sure that you do it well enough in advance.