Quote from @Havital Miltz: Normally you would set the LLC in the state where the property is.You have no tax benefits for setting up an LLC, it is more a protection from lawsuits and going after your personal assets, however not a guarantee....As a husband and wife you do not need to set up a partnership - IRS has special considerations for married couples for self employment, you could also apply that for a rental...Hope that helpsA joint venture is available to any 2 people co-owning real estate for investment purpose as tenant in common  under Proc. 2002-22 (unrelated to marriage) but it can't be owned in an LLC together. 

I have nothing to gain other than to feel good in giving back to interested investors.  

FWIWI use tenantalert.com  They used to be different name. 

I was originally drawn to it because I wanted to have one place where all my tenants paid rent and where they had the option to set up auto payments. 

It’s tempting to handle everything yourself to save on costs.

Could not find much online so figured I would turn to BP.

*Location Matters — Neighborhoods that have high demand, quality schools and close proximity to shops and services tend to draw buyers willing to pay a premium for a well-renovated house.

Are there other creative options I haven’t considered?

I highly recommend you start going to meetups.  

Yes quite a few of our 5,000 options have rate and term or purchase!