This is one of those no obligation things, you can accept a request for assistance on its own merits or deny it :) 

I do not dispute the merits of LLCs, but I question the practicality and efficiencies of it, especially when starting out.

All I can say is that I need the addict award based on merit, since I'm now on the site so many hours per day.

I understand the drawbacks around not building any equity, but as a semi-passive business model being used as a stepping stone to "proper" investing, I think this 100% has some merit. 

I'm sure I could just have one waiting at all times in case I do get a contract but looking for info on the situation I just mentioned (just thinking I suck with names and it would be convenient to name each one after the subject property).Respectfully not looking for opinions on the merits of titling each property in an LLC at this time.

I think there is a lot of merit in what you've done, taking the leap and using your first deal as a learning opportunity.  

Your plan is a very common one, as it has fundamental merit.

This fluctuates slightly from location to location, but it's a good, quick analysis that you can do to see whether a property merits further analysis.

I agree there's huge merit in tackling the full-gut projects and I will certainly take it upon myself to learn everything anyway. 

I actually see some merit in both as nothing cash flows like paid off rental, but if you want to grow into more rentals, you will probably need the money for expansion.So I would think about the down payment in terms of your larger strategy...