It's recommended that all LLCs have an EIN rather than using an SSN.

@David Vaitenas I do not recommend building for a first or second property.

If you haven't, I highly recommend it.I remember moving here in early 2011 to start up our firm, and constantly hearing about this enigma called the Beltline. 

To answer your question, the most cost-effective way to create an LLC is to do it yourself, but I wouldn't recommend that. 

Quote from @Wilson Hunter: Now that I have Airbnb and VRBO traction on multiple vacation properties I would like to explore creating a direct booking website for family, friends, and repeat guests to book without all the platform fees.What are recommendations on website service that allows for (1) multiple properties (2) running transactions (3) synced calendars?

For your particular situation, I would recommend reading the "Multifamily Millionaire, Vol 1" by Bigger Pockets followed by Vol 2 if you want to scale up to larger deals. 

That is also a really great recommendation on how to reframe the situation.

Definitely recommend them.

Any books, guru’s, podcasts,  websites that you can recommend would be so appreciated.  

It's unusual to have be questioned by an underwriter about why he financed a loan with a private lender with a poor reputation, however, if it's a concern that he'll continue to be asked about it, I recommend creating a letter of explanation that clearly explains the situation.