Eager if it is any easier or better to purchase directly under the LLC.  

However, there are SEVERAL tools and things you need that will make wholesaling MUCH easier and MUCH faster to start making money.WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED WHOLESALING?

The more you can make your screening objective than subjective the easier and more successful everything will be.

I'd rather purchase a vacant rental if I had my choice.

If you’re handy which it sounds like you are, and are able to source and negotiate good deals  (which by being a long time local with an existing social network makes that part easier) then these skills will help you save money on rehab costs and by buying right (critical).

I'll complete some easier projects to save on labor. 

I think this is a calculation a lot of homeowners are making right now--especially if they have a low interest mortgage, equity, and their house will cashflow as a rental.The choice is a personal one of course, but I think your future self will thank you if you pull out some equity from your existing home with a HELOC for the downpayment on the next house and a cushion renting your current home, use a property manager as you have other things to do, and buy the next house and do the same thing again.

Renting out a 4 bed will be easier since most rentals are 3 bed and you will have less competition 

I have found this much easier than being a private lender. 

This will make it much easier to invest anywhere in the metro