We also do not really want to go down the whole personal guarantee, W2, tax return, credit score route... or is this something we will have no choice with without hard money in this climate?

As a hypothetical: if your total mortgage, interest, taxes ends up being $4.5k per month and you can have each person paying $1,200 then your personal portion is $2,100.

Fifth, elements outside your planning or control can increase expenses significantly; tax increases due to budgetary shortfalls, insurance costs doubling due to natural disasters, tenant damage beyond what the security deposit will cover.  

Therefore, there is no real tax benefit to having an LLC.You may also want to have a discussion with your attorney on the real level of protection you would receive from this strategy in your state. 

On your taxes do you write off the MI currently? 

Due to their liability protection and tax advantages.

These type of people always have a story about the job they're about to get, tax refund coming soon, inheritance, etc. and when you drill down you find out they lack basic things (ID) that would enable them to follow through on their plans.

It would also essentially wipe out $400/month rental income and you'd lose the additional benefits like potential appreciate, tax advantages, etc.If you planned to buy another rental, that would be a different conversation because there might be upside there.

Now post-COVID you have a larger inventory, increased prices, increased interest rates, increased property taxes, increased regulation (even Smokies are now requiring permits) and increased insurance and at the same time return of the reduced Pre-COVID occupancy numbers. 

They would likely lose any homestead tax benefits and possibly lose other things as well.