Some have mentioned how REI has 4 distinct ways of generating a return in comparison to only in stocks or specifically trading like you are doing.

Your area, jurisdiction and the political flavor of your courts influence whether or not an LLC is right for you, so see your attorney.

I didn't see the distinction you were making as your statement only said "from a tax standpoint, go with the LLC as it will also save you filing costs and save you money."

A local real estate agent should be able to clarify the distinction for you.A transfer from the borrower to a new owner under the "Due On Transfer--Strict" deed of trust creates a default, unless the lender consents to the transfer.

However, I will make a distinction between finding an appreciating area and buying for cash flow.

The key distinction between a second home and an investment property is the intent of the buyer to occupy the property.

Both are good cash flow markets but at a higher macro,level, I think Kansas City has a distinct advantage.

You can't lump property managers into a single category without understanding this distinction. 

I think the little extra that you designed for what looks like the dining area made the property distinctive and was probably a great return on investment.

The distinction between tax tool vs tactic vs and strategy is too often blurred!