From what I can determine, these folks are working a regular job with personal houses, families, etc. and aren't rolling in dough.So BP, how do these individuals do this?

It is just easier with a partner who is also local who can view the property with me on a regular basis as well as help with purchasing materials, etc. 

I do this pretty regularly in other markets. 

I, personally, don't know why they don't just make flood and other disasters simply a required part of all regular homeowners insurance for any insurance company wanting to do business in the US.  

It's just a regular lease agreement with the seller.

I know a lot of people knock GoDaddy because they're a big corporation, but I'm on the phone with registrars/hosting companies regularly (I work in digital marketing/web dev) and they have some the most competent support staff. 

But they were regular purchases and it took about 60 days to close.

Those deals you want the lowest monthly payment and do not care about principal pay down as in one to two years you are refinancing at a higher value into a regular loan.No legal advice given.

I am just down the road from you in Portland but travel up I5 to Tacoma/Seattle regularly.

Use it regularly and pay it off every month.If your current rental properties are lien free, then get them moved over to the LLC ASAP!