I've also heard that using a realtor, particularly on larger deals, would only slow down the negotiating process and introduce another layer of communication that could cause misunderstandings and confusion.I am a newbie and wanted to get feedback from the BP community on whether I should continue to use her or start negotiating deals myself?

It will probably be slow going at first, as it is for most of us, but the more deals you do, the more efficient you become, which will increase your rate of acquisition.  

utilizing contractors "slow" season to get work done cheaper ?

However, I think real estate seems to allow me to start low and slow to a point where I can do my IT job 100% during the week and real state at night and weekends.

IMO, it is better to take real estate investment slow and steady than risk more than you can lose. 

Ned can remain in the LLC or he can withdraw with his money going on his merry way.

Are there any downsides (other than paperwork and slow bureaucracy) that we may not be seeing?

How often will buyers withdraw their offers over such violations?

Remember real estate is a get rich slow business do not think you need to make millions on your first deal.  

Any signs of this slowing down.