@Sam MillerWith a relatively small number of reputable providers across the country, choosing the right firm to work with usually involves going outside one's local area. 

There is a lot of work involved in acquiring a property.

Since you are an insurance analyst you already have an insight about property valuations and risk involved.

This will likely involve a regimented program of sending letters, physically getting out and spending time in the neighborhoods you want to buy, and networking.  

Heck, I've evicted multiple people because I'm strict, but because I'm also kind and friendly, they're getting booted out the door still smiling at me and apologizing for the trouble!

@Mike Day - I completely agree with @Neil Goradia - you don't want to do a portfolio loan covering multiple properties because when you go to sell one of them, you have to untangle the entire thing and start over.

This is not uncommon as most small developers try to avoid involving the City in light renovation, but this seems to be more than light reno work.Is there a way to still make this deal work?

There is nothing wrong with having multiple LLCs when you have partners.

Because it was in a small town, the city got wind of it and got involved and required me to get permits for everything and bring everything up to code.

Major Giuliani had to get involved back in the day because of zoning issues and what not.