Appending onto Nathan's thoughts - It's ultimately about what you negotiate with the partner on the ground.Some management companies (Such as Nathan's) are very helpful to people looking to self-manage. 

Is it permissible to use the allocation of building to land from the county property tax assessment instead of an appraisal? 

Im starting too and feel very lost just because i dont have who to work with, im re searching studying and connecting dots lil by lil my self, but is not complicated, but a patient game, first secure a buyer list, make one, go out to meetings, groups and meet Realestate investors even online call them ask them of they requirements, they needs,  what they exactly looking for and then match them with the houses.

When I wanted to setup an LLC for my self-directed IRA for instance I used KKOS lawyers from the west coast because it's something they specialize in.I don't think you necessarily need to be local with those professionals unless you really want a face-to-face relationship. 90% of whatever you need will happen over phone or email anyway even if they're in town.

In my state of SC the way property tax is assessed for rentals is (assessed value x .06 and that times .1 but that does not include additional taxes that businesses are hit with that owner occupied isn't.

If you buy a minimum of about 30 apartment units you can afford a Property Management Company and save your self the daily operations and maintenance which s typically what you want with a W-2 job. 

If ownership is joint - no possible objection from the IRS.The third one is probably the one that your exchanger is overly (in my opinion) concerned about.

If I was the Listing Agent for the home, my prime objectives were to observe the visitors reaction to how the home looked and their thoughts on the price.    

And with the contracts... do I find an attorney to right that up for me or can I just do it my self??

I’m surprised the co that did the assessment won’t provide financing but it will end up being their loss.