If you do go the LLC route I would pay more attention to the LLC Operating Agreement than the concept of an LLC.  

LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) development is also an interesting concept, I'll have to do some research on that.Meeting like-minded professionals through meetups and REIA groups is a fantastic tip.

There is an "STR loophole" and "Real Estate Professional status" - two unrelated tax concepts.

@Josh Chapman Podio is great to prove out a proof of systems concept, but it doesn't scale well. 

Again, if you're not familiar with this concept, PM me and I can send you more information.2) volume.

Relocated the laundry room, Finished the basement, made the kitchen and living room an open concept, extended the deck and added a back patio door, and more.

If it was a 1 bedroom open concept I would do minispit but a 1000 sqft 2 / 1 has me wondering?  

The speaker runs one of the Multi-Family Syndication/Education pyramid concepts  Perhaps it's just geared for investors with different interests than mine but would be nice if they catered to people who just wanted to buy real estate, not be taught they can acquire 100 unit buildings in a pay to play scheme.

Considering the concept "you make money when you buy" how would you reconcile that against your recommendation that a new investor starts with a turnkey rental vs a property that needs even minimal work so there's equity in the property after repairs/upgrades?

The proposed zoning eliminates density as a concept from town zoning and replaces it with minimum lot sizes for various building types.