One thing I have heard though is to make sure in your initial financing that this is allowed, as some banks will call the note due in full when you do that. 

How long do you think you've been working on it from initially identifying it to now? 

We aren't really sure what we should do with it.Our initial reaction was to sell it.Maybe an appraisal would be able to give us an idea of what we are working with.

Initial focus would be multifamily (2-4 unit) or small single family in upstate SC area (Greenville, SC) since I'm currently doing contract work there over next 2 yrs and paying rent to someone else. 

I love the initial steps and GO GET IT.

I will be making an initial capital contribution to the LLC to fund our first asset purchases, reserves, etc.  

I would like to buy my first property with a low money down option (yes, I'm reading @Brandon Turner's book), and need to overcome the initial hurdle of fear and uncertainty as I dive into this new world of REI.

I will likely hire a property manager, at least initially, because I won't be local and available to respond to tenants' problems. 

I will be buying and holding from out of state, but I do want to visit now and then, at least initially as I get set up.Is there anything I should be mindful of in terms of crime/safety while travelling to these cities?

Some security guards stand at the main gate of a big establishment such as an industry and their work is to initiate entry and exit for the authorized people only.