(I am under the impression that we are talking about the same thing and auditor and assessor are just two different names for essentially the same public service?

Many of these give sales pitches, gurus try to sell their products or mentoring programs, or someone tries to get you to invest in a REI Fund by a group of people pooling their money, for some REI and promising an unrealistic return.

The only way, to close in a LLC and avoid what I previously mentioned regarding Mortgage Products and the subsequent consequences, is the have the seller be the bank using Seller Financing. 

Having a plan is essential to having a successful business no matter what type. 

Won't that be faster and more productive?

The lender makes a big difference as well depending on what products they offer.

Initially focused on acquiring smaller (2-4 unit) multifamily product to buy and hold, with bigger aspirations down the road.  

As far as legal obligations, I just don't want them to be able to go after us personally for whatever reason, does using the LLC as a property management company essentially leave that entity liable for most anything that could happen? 

Plus with auctions you need essentially cash from my understanding.  

It helps you build credibility with other professionals (you know HML, Contractors Etc.)In AZ I learned from my CPA that from the founding of my LLC I can write off my entire cell phone and internet bills at home as they are essential in my home based business of real estate investing, without the LLC I was only allowed to write off the percentage portion based on the square footage designation I gave to my home office space, that is 10% in my case, which I still can use to write off part of my electric and mortgage payments since it is still used as home office.You can start building your brand now, rather than waiting and hoping that no one takes your company name/idea...