Work on a direct marketing campaign and target the area you want to have or move properties at, look for a mentor in the area as well, you will save thousands of $$$ in the future. 

Any advice, direction, book recommendations, etc., are welcome.

I'm currently marketing directly to property owners in various ways and have been able to find off market opportunities that way.

My primary thought for involvement with the LLC was to get access to sellers who would not qualify for investor deal, but may be interested in short sale listing (which must be done with the agent for bank to consider it), or some other solution.

Seems to me like any of the good wholesalers market to their buyers directly and anything that doesn't sell gets put on this site.

I'd recommend software from Rentec Direct. 

Although there are still challenges (as with most older towns) things have been steadily improving for many years now - most residents love the place and are excited about the many amenities & general direction of the area.I would love to find a local wholesaler or other sources of good deals - any suggestions on where to look? 

I'd appreciate any information or direction to get this thing handled correctly.  

If so, please message me directly.   

A self directed IRA will allow you to invest in real estate.