How does one navigate these issues successfully? 

Yes, hire an attorney based on what I just went through thinking this is a no-brainer...thought we could navigate the system ourselves .

If you can't find him let me know and I'll get off my phone and onto a computer where I can more easily navigate.

As a new investor with such a plan, you want to be sure to have a guide who can help you navigate how the tax code intersects with real estate investing, specific to your intended strategies.

I'm sure you'll see what I mean as you navigate your way around.

Hey Dallas,I'm a local rei/wholesaler in the Jacksonville,fl market.I'd have to say Jacksonville is a great market for turnkey properties rather your acquiring in the low crime area's or some of the more not so appealing low income area's the (1) thing that you will need is a stellar PM to help you navigate through our ever so changing neighborhoods.Well if you decide on Jacksonville inbox me if you have any questions needed answeredThanks,Mocellie

I have no doubt that knowledge helps us navigate the ambiguous waters of multifamily investing :) Let us know how you get on. 

After all, it is your business - not theirs.So, start your pursuit of relevant knowledge by Googling:  NRS 86 (Nevada's LLC law), the California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, and the California Franchise Tax Board (navigating the sites you select to find the requirements of the law on how LLCs are treated, taxed, and charged fees for earnings and 'doing business' within and outside of the state of their formation and operation).  

I am looking for a mentor or someone who I could partner with on the deal.Can anyone point me in the right direction of anyone (whether mentor, attorney, broker, investor, etc) in the NY market that might be worth chatting with to navigate this deal and possibly partner with??

If you have never done this before you may want to hire an architect who has done this before to help you navigate it and keep the contractor honest.