or hire direct 1099s. 

Especially if you are actually in the park (ie Peninsula), or directly adjacent. 

I figured I could set up a PA LLC and either have the money directly transferred for payment during settlement or gifted to me to make payment.

At the very least, they'll tell you what you need to do so that you're moving in the right direction. 

Someone I know owns section 8 properties, he doesn’t have any issues and the rent gets deposited directly to his account.

According to CBS 17 News, Raleigh is the #2 hottest real estate market in the US and Durham is #4.You could even invest on the outskirts as well because I know some people would not want to live directly in the city.

When you consider a HELOC, keep in mind that you need to apply and qualify for that as well.

Thank you for the direction!

You mention garbage, but in my area sewer is also a common utility provided by the government which a landlord would want to include in the rent and pay directly.

I've also considered forming an S-Corp in PA, as I want to have a self-directed retirement account someday, and it would be easy to max out with the revenue from the PA solar farm.If I had a self-directed account, I would likely do some investing in securities, but most in real estate (likely in NC).