What it sounds like happened is that you brought a good deal to your employer, who essentially took it from you (maybe this was part of your plan?).

Other scenarios are if you can't get the paperwork or varying levels of it. 

The problem I saw early on was that 2 of the units were really really small and I only envisioned a few personality types would live in such a place long term (essentially they were like hotel rooms).

I started last year doing essentially the same strategy you have and while I would by no means consider myself an expert I have done (6) with 2 different banks so take my advice for what it is worth. 

My concern is how do I have the personal protection of an LLC if I essentially cannot get conventional financing or transfer the title after the purchase?

For example, If a quad is 350K, can both investors receive a 175k loan, and essentially allow me to get a duplex for less than 200K?

Essentially I’m asking is:1) how can I double check the local vacancy for this apt. 2) I’m currently banking on min $180-200/night.

Could it essentially become due by me almost immediately? 

It essentially goes like this:Find a house (MLS, cold calling, direct mail, etc)Offer on the house (take into consideration who you're going to be selling this to.

We went with it.  20 years amortization is typically the max, though I have seen some go 25 year on occasion.4) Less paperwork up front, but your bank may require you to submit yearly PFS (personal financial statements, pronounced "PIFFS") listing all of your assets, accounts, real estate owned, loans owed, etc.