We've done 1 so far with a buyer we know locally, however I'm not sure how to legally move all these properties in an efficient manner. 

HELOCs are still tax deductible under the new tax law but only for capital improvements on your personal residence.

Also I am looking forward to using the income from these properties to improve my debt to income so I can borrow more to buy more properties next year or the year after, how might this be affected by starting an LLC to manage my properties?

It is only a 1 year lease with renewal options because the tenant does contract work for Duke Energy and does not want a long term lease in case their contracts don't get renewed.

If you're concerned about the fast traffic, maybe some kind of barrier fence along that side would improve things?  

We are looking for a property may need cosmetic improvements, but won't require a major renovation right off the bat.

Taking on underfunded investment properties can become very stressful financially and emotionally.Remember - if you decide to wade in now "Cash Flow is king" meaning it needs to cash flow when you buy it don't bet on being able to significantly increase the rent to improve cash flow.Good Luck!   

HOA Express: they're currently in the middle of a redesign, which looks to be improving the dated UI they have now.

But $20K of upgrades might result in over-improving the property. 

You said you had an electrician there so this has probably been ruled out already but a refrigerator usually requires a dedicated circuit or as the get older and less efficient they will constantly trip the breaker when the compressor kicks on.