You may have a different experience but in my opinion an LLC has it's advantages but not until you have accumulated a handful of properties.

I have been an investor and developer since 2001 and I have accumulated months if not years worth of knowledge from you and a few other BP members in the short weeks since I signed up.

I want to continue to accumulate properties that cash flow (open to looking in different regions, especially Western Mass), begin flipping, and be open minded to all opportunities to build a fluid RE business.  

Move, buy, repeat and slowly accumulate wealth through others.  

When you sell your income property, you can write-off any unused rental losses that have accumulated while you have owned the property.The Disadvantages of having an LLC.Up Front and Ongoing ExpenseWhen setting up an LLC there are costs involved that are generally charged by an attorney or tax accountant for the preparation of your LLC charter.

You're working toward building a long term wealth accumulating business, plan accordingly.For the Seller Financing, If I was going to ask it of a seller, I would start with finding out what else they might do to invest their money instead.  

-if the property has wildly appreciated consider a refi to pull out equity and place elsewhere-if pulling out equity upsets the cashflow balance, then a 1031 is probably a good ideaIn the event of rising market rates, you have paid enough down that you can refinance into another 5/1 ARM and restructure your debt which will help you keep your mortgage payment low, even if you have to take a hit to the principle pay-down.While you accumulate the savings of a 5/1 ARM and your debt is paid down, your rent should be appreciating too.  

I would check into performing notes and maybe even buying them within a solo-401k.From what I can tell once you are past the accumulation phase of investing this one of the best strategies for exiting the rental game and doing pure investments backed by real estate.Jeff V

Right now, I am in the knowledge accumulation phase, with a load of books and articles I want to get through.

Unit 6 was a very long term tenant who had accumulated 14 stray cats in which 3 were pregnant.