That being said, I'm a fan of the buying distressed, forcing equity and either selling or refinancing.

Could help you save some serious $$ if buying and selling there and can also get you access to their MLS systems.

We are selling properties first come first serve. 

Keeping a 2.99% rate sounds great, but it may be costing you thousands of dollars if you are in the double digits with your other outstanding debts.

If your goal is appreciation, you'll find markets that have very little cash flow (if any), and you won't realize your return until much later down the road when cash flow catches up or you sell the property.There are probably thousands of markets to invest in.

We did this because initially we were just going to build/sell, but I would rather hold on to it.

They might have a contractor they can get in do all the work and get ready to sell!

You are only adding complications and costs with the LLC with no upside  This is all assuming there’s been almost zero appreciation and you shouldn’t sell tax free while you have the chance. 

Maybe a mom & pop owned small multi-family can owner finance or sell to you with some guidance for the transition.

Your ability to identify properties and markets where you can generate equity (both imputed and appreciated) while using debt responsibly and knowing when is most appropriate to sell is how you acquire more real estate.