Since your main income isn't tied to CA and you plan to have profits coming in from OOS rentals, I bet you'd save money on state income taxes by no longer being a CA resident. 

The property I am looking to buy is around 3K square feet and I do not want to pay the premium or the minimum replacement cost insurance for a property of that size.

I know I am still always learning, your best bet is keep going, keep observing, see who buys what, who buys where, what prices do they pay in what conditions, see if you can see who got a good deal and a bad deal, little by little you will get more comfortable and familiar - but it takes time and patience, I remember in the beginning I would get REALLY frustrated.

I bet they aren't too concerned with who they place in your units. more turnover=more $$ in their pocket.

They are located down the street from each other and are of similar size and construction.

", etc...Here's your immediate plan (I bet you thought I was just going to shoot this "plan" down didn't you?   

In order to get an estimate for this I would determine the size of the AC unit, snap some pictures, and call a licensed HVAC Technician in your market.

Minimum of 6 months of expenses (though I'd shoot for 12 months given family size).Next, I'd make sure I was adequately insured. 

Long and Foster or Taylor Mueller will probably be your best bet. 

Do you think opening up an LLC is my best bet for obtaining a business line of credit?