I ended up skipping the Series LLC route to make things easier for me, my Lawyer and CPA. 

If they have them in your area, sometimes the smaller subgroups of REIA may be a better fit starting out since it's usually a more informal and relaxed climate, so it's easier to get to know people.

If you look at 10 properties a weekend and know your target price range, you'll eliminate some of the uncertainty you're currently experiencing.

There are a lot easier methods to get ahead of the curve to buy properties, before bank pulls the rug out from under the owner and auction it off.

i see posts about people worried about not finding a buyer once house is under contract but would it not be easier to find the buyer before a property is put it under contract ?

It's just that, I reckon: there's no need to get ahead of yourself].My guess is, you'll never find a better/easier Real Estate market than right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.

Many jobs, such as trim, are far easier on the miter saw. 

The further away from Raleigh you get the easier it will be to find deals

Knowing that I want to be able to scale the business beyond 4 mortgages, is there anything that you would recommend doing at the start, to structure the business in a way that will make it easier to obtain future financing?

@Ike Ekeh @Justin R. has pointed out one of the major points that will determine your price points and targeted markets for solicitations.Another thing to consider is the portfolio mix, Are all the parcels 100% raw land or do some parcels already have Sewer, and Utilities already in place?