They're also easier to sell if you decide to exit.

For sure get an investment property first which is affordable (out of state), then later, buying your primary home will be even easier with lenders.

It’s a great way to start building equity while offsetting living costs, and programs like FHA loans can make it easier to get in with a lower down payment.Since your parents are open to diversifying into real estate, that could be a big advantage, especially with the equity they have tied up in their property.

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

Landscaping upgrades, exterior painting, new siding, a new roof, and upgraded front doors and windows can dramatically increase ARV by improving the home's exterior appearance.5.

If a buyer agent asks how much commission the seller is offering, the response is: "seller is expecting to pay a commission, buyer and buyer agent should decide on the amount and include it in your offer"This is a huge improvement for buyers, because the buyer agent commission is more transparent, and easier to negotiate.

Having a GC that will provide good documentation, itemized receipts, etc. will make the process much easier I've noticed. 

They appear to have run into liquidity and cash flow issues currently and worst of all have gone dark and not shared any of the requested financial information.

It does appear that all the receipts were accurate, nothing that was purchased that didn’t show up somewhere in the house.

I could envision them refusing to disburse funds until the LLC is reinstated.There may be a way to transfer ownership of the account, but it is probably just easier to move the money.