,Do I need to notify my current lender that I have transferred the property from my name to an LLC?

Unless your expectations are for non-recourse (which doesn't generally exist in the context of your borrowing needs), lenders are going to be more concerned with you as the signer.

Your lender did you a disservice in telling you to pay that huge amount in points when rates are so high.I do not think you could switch up the deduction in later years, you would have to amend all the prior returns. 

Hello fellow investors, agents, brokers, and lenders,I am looking for recommendations on reputable lenders in NC.

You could try to find something that needs some either minor or major fixing up, and adjust your budget lower to account for 50-100k in renovations, or start searching for a lender that can help you with the construction costs, and then pay it off once the renovations are complete with a refi.

I'd echo the advice already given.Start hanging out with the local investor community and start talking with RE brokers and lenders who have experience and expertise in the strategy you land on.In your case, I'd take a serious look at househacking.

I read there are some lenders that would do a multi-family HE/HELOC.

Too many to list Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

This is you agent/deal finder, lender, property manager, and handy man. 2.)

I would love to get connected with more Brokers and lenders and tell them all about my plan.