I believe what it comes down to is organization and execution.

It is normally a trade off between immediate cash flow and appreciation.

It's just reported on Schedule E.  

I have a background in the electrical trade and consider myself a jack of all trades master of non!!

It may be smart from a legal protection standpoint (and you should definitely discuss this with a qualified attorney), but in terms of taxes, your Schedule E will look exactly the same as if you did not set up a single-member LLC excepting costs that are specific to setting up and running the LLC itself as Tom mentioned above.

And, I'd happily trade your knowhow for 1/2 of the deal (1/2 of something is always better than nothing).  

., I think there's a lot more to the bay area tech than publicly traded companies compared to last time.

Rich Dad Poor DadRich Dads Cash Flow QuadrantRich Dads Increase your financial IQThe Real Book of Real EstateThe ABC’s of RE InvestingThe ABC’s of PMRich Dad RE Tax AdvantagesThe 10X RuleThe E-MythThe 4 Hour Work WeekBiggerPocketsPodCast -I hear #136 is exceptional!

I went back to the store and traded it for a head board which didn't exactly match, but did fit up the stairs.

What's important is having your ducks in a row and being able to execute when you see something you like.