Nobody gets up in the morning and says " lets wreck the car today "    Accidents happen , thats why they are not called "on purposes "

Or is it recommended that I start a brokerage company for the purpose of transacting? 

Since that LLC is a disregarded entity for tax purposes, I use Sched E on my personal return to account for the OH rentals. 

Rehab the new one and then hold as a rental to demonstrate intent to hold for rental/investment purposes and then sell the current rental and 1031 Exchange into another rehab into rental, especially if you are planning on doing one property at a time, this would make a lot of sense.

It seems like a lot when my sole purpose is to use it for investing, but I will have to thoroughly do more research and weigh my options.  

This doesn't account or allow for any other debts like student loans, car payments or loans for investment purposes.

The property must be held strictly for investment purpose. 

As a wholesaler you would have been classified as a dealer for ax purposes, meaning your houses are inventory and you should have reported your income and expenses on schedule C.Your schedule C $8k loss should have flowed through to your 1040 and decreased ultimately your taxable income.You can carry forward your sched C losses of your 1040 income goes negative.I think you should look at amending your 2013 return.

Are you looking to represent clients or for your own investment purposes?

That's the purpose of a lease.