@Audrey Blotz welcome to the exciting world of RE investing.There are some great Meetups in town that you can attend. 

I'd start locally doing BRRRs, use your experience.

A few local investors I talk to say it is normal (for them), but I am looking for other input as well. 

I'm a total newb, but I believe MLS-access in MO is controlled by your local Board and NAR.  

You, of course need to have a written agreement with them before selling the LLC to them and you will need to officially transfer ownership of the LLC to them using the legal means mandated by your state laws (check with a local RE attorney).This strategy is better than a double close because it's less risky and better than assigning contracts because offers are often made under LLC's so will be accepted more often than offers that stipulate assignment of contract.If you are already under contract under your own name or under the name of an LLC you do not wish to sell (like your company LLC), and your contract is not assignable, then you may be stuck with a double close.

Let me know your favorite ways to do a deal like this.Property is currently not listed on the MLS and it's owned by another local investor / contractor.Let me know your thoughts?

How do you ensure that properties comply with local regulations and ordinances?

When commercial lenders are evaluating a first-time CRE investor, they like when the sponsor is within driving distance of their first investment, so pat-on-the-back for staying local on deal one, it makes it a more prudent transaction for all involved. 

I too am a local here in South Florida.

He invests himself, specializes in investment properties and has a great pulse in the local real estate market.