It wouldn't hurt to set up time to meet with agents, property managers, lenders, and others while you’re visiting your markets of interst.

Has anyone ever used this lender?

Quote from @Leonard La Rocca III: So is it common to find a conventional loan without meeting the lender in-person?

The best option is securing financing that allows the LLC to buy the new property, as commercial or portfolio lenders may accommodate this.

Also start talking to lenders now to understand their requirements 

Typically, once the project is done you can get it refinanced via the same bank saving a lot of fees compared to HML (Hard Money Lenders).

I was thinking a bridge loan might be an option , and then refi it later and pay back the bridge loan,  but I'm waiting for lenders to reach back out and run some numbers.

I don't wave a red flag in front of the lender daring them to call the note.

You can double check the info by calling the lender/servicer

The other way I fund deals with none of my own money is using a private lender that I have years of experience and relationship with and/or using HELOC and other business lines of credit.