Rankings are based on a combination of those three categories in 483 counties around the United States with sufficient data to analyze.I don't think they are taking account the most important factors, which are are exposure to most effected industries.

All of your other questions rely heavily on the use category and specific tenant.

If you are doing 1-4 family homes, you probably don't need LLC's unless you have many of them or for some reason they have a really high value.  1-4 families are still in the "residential real estate" category so you can take advantage of that by keeping them in your personal name.Hope this helps.

Bonus points for the over achievers: Landlording tips are welcome (although I'll probably stick w/Property Management from day 1)I think this might be fun since it is self-limiting. 1 piece of advice per person, only, so please think hard of your most valuable warning or guidance. 

2nd floor is a 2/1 i'm converting to 3/1 and 3rd floor is a 1/1.Bonus question: Would section8 count them as two units or one?

But as far as how to correctly document and record that work to make sure it falls into the correct categories, that is something you'd probably want to ask your CPA about.  

Over the past several weeks, I've been doing a lot of research and analysis of how the crisis may create new opportunities (and amplify existing threats) for several retail categories as well as for retail real estate investors. 

The is supposedly a bonus amount over the usual unemployment.

No competent person in any of those categories will say 'yes, I want to be on your team!'

At this price point cash flow is most important , appreciation is a bonus, so multi units would be a priority.