I agree that with one property you can just use OTA pricing tools.  5 mins a day for adjusting and you will save money and do it yourself.

I wanted to help them out and minimize their loss and saw an opportunity to get a property slightly below market because of my commission savings, immediate mortgage and maintenance relief, in addition to keeping a lower short term interest rate How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

As you purchase more, your net worth will go up more quickly than the savings in interest with the other option.

Talk to a competent CPA.BTW, the real value is not derived from saving a management fee. 

Hadn't considered that, so that just saved a few years off my life. 

If you buy in a city with limited appreciation, every investment dollar must come from your savings.

Took an extra 6 weeks than planned,  but ultimately got it done. 

Wondering if I should just wait until rates drop and refinance into the LLC or do the quit claim deed (and no HELOC) and just save up for my down payment for the next property.

Using mortgage debt at 6-7% on a refinance to pay off higher rate debt such as a credit card at 15-25% is a savings!

I wanted to help them out and minimize their loss and saw an opportunity to get a property slightly below market because of my commission savings, immediate mortgage and maintenance relief, in addition to keeping a lower short term interest rate How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?