I usually just look up the real owner in public records, skip-trace their contact info, let them know someone is trying to use their land for a scam and offer to put a sign up at the property that says "NOT FOR SALE" (ironic for a real estate agent right?).

Also most mortgagor usually use public website to make sure you do the repair correctly (something like insuranceclaimcheck dotcom).

Any communication after this between the two of us, I would appreciate go through Jordan, since I truly do not need any added extra stress.

So as a general rule: "yes," you'll want to purchase through an LLC, but "no," you (usually) won't have less liability if the proverbial hits the fan.

Do I only report that $1000/month as my actual rental income and the extra $500/month as a capital improvement?

There’s an extra space on the 3rd and 4th floor for another 4 units to be created.

When we do you have to work for them, usually meaning value add rentals or finding off market deals.

Legitimate hard money lenders and private lenders may not ask for business taxes, bank statements, or other documentation but they will ask for much more money down, their terms are usually 12 to 24 months loans, and higher interest rates.

And weekdays usually late afternoon (3-5pm)

A plumber will usually charge for 1 hour as this is an easy job.