However, I also look at each potential deal to determine the best investment option for me and the greatest outcome for the seller. 

just sold his trailer and his lot for 95k on the market "investor is a potential buyer and somewhat a new mentor but said we should try to get this deal and flip it ourselves!

The skies the limit especially if you have a house that could potentially be made into a duplex. 

As a first-time rental property investor, I am currently in the process of evaluating a potential investment opportunity and seeking guidance on an aspect of property layout.

Tax Deferral: One of the primary advantages of investing in a DST is the potential for tax deferral.

This will help identify any potential issues or maintenance needs.

I often visit with potential Smokies investors, asking "Is this a good time to buy in the Smokies?"

You have to have the personal protection either way, at which point the LLC is less important.An accountant once warned me to be careful about using the LLC to manage the properties if they are not owned by the LLC because it could potentially trigger taxable events. 

Going to be very hard, potential solution would be to bundle up at least 5 of these low value properties into one portfolio "blanket" loan 

If you're really just getting started and you are trying to narrow down a list of potential markets, there are numerous publications that provide reports on everything from employment to housing to trends to major changes within cities, etc.