The problem is that I can't get a loan - I'm too good at taxes, and don't have enough income to qualify for conventional products, and don't have enough portfolio, cash/flow, or experience to get hard money.

That’s loan payment, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities etc etc.

Also, there's a big tax benefit from paying your primary home mortgage that you are missing out on when you rent.

Take into account elements like diversity, tax advantages, cash flow, and potential for appreciation.Determine Your Risk Tolerance: Investing in real estate entails some risks, such as shifting market conditions, vacant properties, and unforeseen costs.

but you should always do a quick title preview to know what is on a home you might purchase at any tax sale or foreclosure sale.  

As far as I know it's just the jump in property tax that comes into play.  

Or any tax strategies that I’m potentially missing out on by not setting it up in an LLC versus personal conventional mortgages?

One other thing to consider is tax implications if you sell. 

Stupidity tax. 

I also want to make sure tax wise I have the best structure possible.