This would be an easy decision however I do not think you can come close even with you being active in the process.  

Getting an LLC in place from the start can provide peace of mind and give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the process before expanding your portfolio.

Each state might have different process.  

You'll want to print and save the SS-4 Letter that you'll have the chance to download at the end of that process.

The best strategy I seem to have deployed so far was to contact all my current tenants and let them know I’d give them a cash referral fee of $250 for anyone they recommend to me that goes through the vetting process and successfully moves in.

- Are there other lenders you’d recommend for refinancing rental properties that might have a smoother process or better terms?

Purchase price: $150,000 In the process of buying 1.21 acres in Isabela, Puerto Rico.

I would suspect once investors digest the higher rate environment and some of the hurricane damage is moved inventory will settle out in neutral territory. 

Experience depends on who you deal with - the cleaner the loan file and more organized your paperwork the smoother the process with any private lender.

However if you understand the process already and what you're trying to achieve and just looking for someone to do it for you, then I would search a bit more to price compare and then make your informed decision.