PRO TIP: Some counties will work with you as the new "owner" on code violations.

If the LLC owns the property, then the LLC should be listed as the owner in the contract.

There are significantly less opportunities for HELOC on non-owner occupied but there are some (you would likely need to investigate to find a few).  

You will be competing with people who have 'boots on the ground' and can visit any property owner with short notice.While wholesaling from afar is possible, it is recommended to begin closer to home.

The rental is my first of hopefully many and that being said the rental home I purchased as a primary residence and after a year I Decided to rent it out.

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.

The lender wont talk to you without the owners written authorization, and the lender does not own the property to sell it to you. 

Property was sitting on market and needed light updates (roof, flooring, paint) but was in a great area that allows STRs giving me multiple options when deciding on rental strategy How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Move into a house that needs help on an owner occupied loan, fix it up over the next year, move on to the next.  

This is very costly to an owner of course.