-Will I be better able to write off expenses if I transfer both properties into an LLC, or is an LLC unnecessary from a tax perspective?

One less unnecessary item that can break or cause water damage.

So, here you go, the 6 ways to break into the apartment syndication biz: #1 Find an Off-Market Deal, then you can get into the biz by: …finding an off-market deal and bringing it to an experienced investor who can close on it.But wait, before you actually look for deals or bring it to an experienced investor, figure out WHO you should bring it to and qualify THEM to ensure you’re not doing unnecessary work.

What are some common unnecessary purchases first time investors find themselves making that veteran investors would likely advise against?

I TOTALLY know this is an unnecessary expense I'm putting on myself, but I only have to change them once. 

Otherwise underwriting a project to just the specific cash flow of the respective property results in unnecessary risk for the lender.

Write a letter to the original PM demanding reimbursement for the unauthorized, unnecessary charges.

After getting a breakdown, the culprit turned out to be 3 extra/unnecessary employees on payroll.   

I know a lot of times we get hyped up over hearing about “no money down deals” where we can invest in real estate without really giving anything up, and as amazing as those deals are, the reality is for most beginners who don’t want to wait several years to save up the necessary funds or don't want to dabble in wholesaling, the answer is liquidating unnecessary or excessive assets.For me, the money to invest in real estate was sitting covered in my garage, its wheels roughly 3” off the ground and supported by 4 jack stands – and it had been sitting there that way since the last October when I returned home from one last cruise through the crisp fall air.

It should be unnecessary to have them bring it to a showing.