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 

U want your parents to talk to their CPA FIRST.. if they go the development route they are now ( depending on the amount of units) creating inventory.. which will be taxed at ordinary income rates ( very HIGH)if they just sell they can 1031  and move on to something else.. many times when you run the math consider the risks of a partnership.. the sale of the land is far better than thinking your going to make some profit.. 

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.

Real estate investment holds great potential for growth and you've found a valuable resource to learn from seasoned professionals.

I am looking to get connected with people in the area who could potentially take through some growing areas and areas of opportunity in the city.

In a way, this would limit the competition for anyone who was in prior to any potential changes.