@Evan DerheimYou want to consult with an attorney to determine what the best legal protection will you should be(LLC vs umbrella Insurance).From a tax standpoint, there won't be an income tax difference.Please be mindful that you may have to pay the $800 minimum fee requirement for CA with the set up of an LLC.Regarding connecting with a CPA, there are multiple CPA's/Accountant's on the messageboard who specialize in real estate taxation.

My goal is to eventually gain enough profit to purchase multiple rentals around town and gain passive income while flipping homes as a full-time job.

It can be done in Columbus just have to be patient and willing to write multiple offers. 

Building multiple of the same structure at once I can get the cost down somewhat but not enough.   

It sounds to me like you are in a tough situation, with multiple sides to the story.  

Absentee Owners have been popular for a long time, and are apparently still somewhat effective (people are still mailing to them) but they are getting multiple offers to buy their home.

Its not enjoyable to do remote rehabs and distressed property in midwest and midsouth markets are sometimes in rough neighborhoods which is best left to the local players only.You can learn about syndications which do involve value play when asset is sold within their time horizons

I'd say yes if there is a specific reason.I have multiple properties where I would pay market value easily to also own the adjacent property.

I've tried DBS, Trinity, Northern states, and I've left messages with multiple contractors.Anyone know of a company or person that could look at something like this in the next week?

If you have extra money to give away, I guarantee I can find charities that are in greater need than your tenants.I also disagree with small increases over multiple years or even over a one-year period.