I've been reading some posts here about setting up individual LLCs for each property for asset protection, and saw that some state allow Series LLC but got quite confused with the various posts.I currently live in Phoenix AZ, and plan to invest in out-of-state properties.

You can make a lot more on $2M than the $138k revenue less deductions. 

In my senior seminar class, one of our assignments is to identify a mentor to meet with in person or virtually 4 times this semester in an industry we are interested in pursuing upon graduation.I would love to connect with a bigger pockets member that has experience in personal real estate investing for themselves or who has work experience in a specific field that has allowed other people to achieve financial independence through real estate investing.

Would you be willing to keep the mortgage in your name and allow someone to take over the payments? 

What you do with your money is your business, except the IRS wants its percentage of the profit (well, less any other deductions that apply).Don't forget that investment properties have to take depreciation. 

They said their insurance has a high deductible so they decided to split the bill between me and the next door neighbor.

Many fix and flip lenders will allow a PG to be a minimum of 21 % owner in the entity. 

If you allow the PM to find and vet the tenant, I'd want a qualified reasons and/or background reports as to why the PM thinks this is your best tenant option.

The Evolve owner dashboard was pretty good; it has a calendar where you can easily see when guests book your property and allow you to block off dates for yourself if you like.The downside was that I didn’t have as much control in managing the actual listing, and I felt the quality of the photos, captions, and listing descriptions wasn’t all that great initially.  

Forced Apperception (BRRRR or buying at a discount) allows you to build in equity from the beginning of the investment.You will likely want to purchase through a hard money lender.