Your post didn't sound like it came from a landlord with 25 years of experience, so I was pointing to the basics hoping it would motivate you to do some research.A quick Google search revealed numerous NJ banks that offer the convenience of opening accounts online.

Can I personally seller finance to a new LLC I start, rent it out with proper insurance through the LLC, and also protect my personal assists if something happens with the renters? 

Let me know if you need assistance!

Happy to connect and assist you in your real estate investing journey.Happy to connect if you are interested to expand your portfolio@Albert Bui @Carlos Valencia

We didn't feel the additional protections offered were necessary at this point in time.

You could offer to back up lease end to April/ May if that works for you.

I would reach out to @learnlikeacpa on social media, Ryan Bakke, who can definitely assist with this. 

I would love to hear feedback from others that may have been in this situation or can just offer additional advice.Thank you so much!

With lower mortgage interest rates comes increased competition so the sweet spot may be sometime towards the end of this year.That said, if you see a property you like, the best advise is to shoot your shot and submit an offer that makes sense to you and if they bite, you win and if they don't, you didn't lose.

My STR and LTR's are all schedule E.Unless you are cooking them breakfast or offering daily cleaning with a turndown service you will be on a schedule E.