My main concern though is: Might it be best to NOT go ahead with the purchase?

Truly aligned with the content of using Real Estate in order to retire at speeds decades ahead of what they teach you at school.I am currently looking for:-Expand my network with like minded individuals.  

If you think all agents are the same and just a vehicle to give you info, you won't understand how much I can do as an agent for you in terms of off-market access, digging, negotiating and then listing.Since I am an investor as well and have been doing that for way longer, I can say that my biggest gripes with agents, as an investor, are as follows:1.

A general rule is that you need at least 10 properties (20 is better) to get ahead with a portfolio loan.  

In Lincoln, RI I not only ran into an additional Fire Tax on the property but a Fire Tax on the vehicle AND a $100 per unit Sewer Tax.

The other 3 charge around $700 a week for a nice room with 2 beds and access to a pool, weight room, and free breakfast.So I charge $400 for 2 bedroom places that are as nice as the $700 a week motel, but people can cook, do their laundry, have their wife visit, shoot a bow & arrow in the back yard, process a deer in the garage, work on their vehicle, etc. 

Go ahead and try my name from your phone.

I know it isn't necessarily required, but it seems like a good vehicle to write up a clear strategy, divide ownership, and mitigate risk.I know an LLC can't purchase a property.

I was thinking along the lines of vehicle or equipment storage?  

So if they do not look good as a trend then you can start planning ahead of time for options.