As far as your tax questions, I would personally refer you back to your tax advisor or refer you one if you need it.

The tenants should submit a claim to renters insurance.

Make sure to pick houses that still make money after you pay all bills, like the mortgage, taxes, insurance, upkeep, empty times, and management fees.

You may lose your tax benefits by transferring into the LLC, and have to pay capital gains tax on any gains you have...talk with a CPA about this.

And capital gains tax can be as high as 35% when selling, and another 10% for agent.  

Assuming you have owned the property for less than 12 months the real number for cash in the bank will not be $50K because of the taxes you'll pay from Short Term Capital Gains. 

We are looking for recommendations on a good Lawyer and CPA that practices real estate law, taxes and strategies.

The best investors I know are using Real Estate for tax purposes and appreciation.  

Its interesting what the county is doing with the new tax on landlords.

Given their proximity to a major attraction like Yosemite, these counties benefit significantly from the taxes generated by STRs, and from what I can tell have no intention of restricting them across the board.