I'm having to offer this as a fully furnished house to be able to charge a premium on rent just to get close to the mortgage.

However, you have to be extremely careful financing 100% of the transaction as you still need reserves, closing costs, etc. and make sure it cash flows.You didn't mention if this would be a rental or owner occupied. 

Recent sale of the assessed property is de facto value.Expert is needed for anything else.They can raise the value if you appeal.Comparable sales only count if they were closed before the lien date which is one year prior to the tax bill date.

You would need to close with the loan in your name, then quitclaim it into your LLC. 

if you're beginning conversations with agents, and they don't recommend that you sign this agreement before the close on a property, is that a good thing or a bad thing? 

Refinancing has more nuances than it seems, and so do closing costs.

We are closing on a 2/1 condo tomorrow with a small fenced backyard and a metal storage shed.

Being close enough to hospitals and also the University is a good strategy, but would be happy to give you some more info on the local areas here.

In addition to your down payment, plan for closing costs (around 2-5% of the purchase price) and set aside at least 3-6 months of expenses for repairs, maintenance, and vacancies.

Purchase price: $15,000 Cash invested: $25,000 Sub to deal - paid the seller and wholesaler $15,000 + $7500 closing costs to assume $84,000 mortgage with a monthly PITI of $575.