If they are it is buy necessity and probably not for investment purposes. 

The MLS isn't a necessity, but it would definitely be beneficial.

I lived in Houston for 25 years and for anything other than the absolutely cheapest neighborhoods (read slums, which you don't have in SLC) cental AC is a necessity, not an option.

They are also the items a property manager will gladly disperse a Professional to fix for top dollar on your dime.HVAC in Phoenix is a necessity in summer regular maintenance is important and changing or checking the filters. 

I think its somewhat a personal choice and surly when your young in your prime earning years are your desire is to leverage and grow.. then debt is a necessity.. for me personally I take on no long term liabilities  I usually have quite a bit of short term debt IE construction loans.. which as long as the market behaves create more cash flow for me in 9 months then the same dollars in drip income would over a ten year hold... but you know risk reward.. its always there.for me personally my long term contingent liabilities are less than 5% of my net worth and will soon be Zero.

Also...just checked your site and saw the kickstand for the rd250...i just sold my 2015 triumph bonneville out of necessity..and own a 74 cb360 i am trying to fix up...great minds

The way I see it is someone just starting with rentals who doesn't have a lot of money could buy them and rent to a renter by necessity.

The first home would be a necessity for I currently have no where to go after selling my home.

The business is a necessity because people need shelter9.

There are pros and cons for each and you can search on BP for the hundreds of topics on if an LLC is a necessity. #2.