I can add to this in the future, but I am setting this as a limit as I get my feet under me.

Fees should be clearly stated in writing, easy to understand, and justifiable.

Also, my tax bill was super high this year since my property didn't really require any maintenance last year, and this would be a beneficial write-off as it would buy back time and ensure a quality property.

If it's a family style single family home or multifamily unit, unfurnished, in non-core areas, the timing doesn't really matter as most likely your tenants a re locals who can relocate at any time regardless of the season. 

Together, we can achieve more, unlock new opportunities, and build a brighter future in real estate.

That being said the only way these low cost providers could protect themselves would be to write their programs in such a way that the benefit their work provides is so low compared to the reality of what is allowable that there isn't any chance of overstatement of depreciation, which means it would be understated and you're leaving money on the table. 

Any advice on setting up an LLC for our RE investments?

RE agent told me that "it's discussed because of the complaints of homeowners but I don't see anything changing"https://www.chronicleonline.co...Thanks in advance!

Look also at land banking some of these lots, if you want to build 3 homes, located them close to each other that may leave some space for future expansion if the first round is successful.   

This requires an income that rises faster than inflation, or you will not have the additional dollars you will need to pay future inflated prices.What causes rents (and prices) to increase?