If a person cannot afford to make their taxes and insurance payments on a monthly schedule, how would they have the personal discipline to set it aside for yearly lump payments? 

In some places, you'd take this directly to a real estate agent or a title company, in some states attorneys handle contracts.

We've had 3 in the past 4 months where out of state clients bought homes in the 70 - 78k range we rented them for $995 - 1150 but they usually get under contract in 3 or 4 days at most.   

The property is in pinellas county (clearwater)   The folks above are correct that you can check out the county recorder's office / public records, which may entail having to go down there in person during gov't work hours.You can also ask your realtor or loan officer, who may be more available, and can send it to you via email. 

I got the property under contract and several weeks later the current managers were caught kiting checks and stealing cash of about $5K per month, while the owners of the property were 20 feet away in the next office suite.

I believe we have covered most of the needs in this post, but I was becoming unsure about an LLC.From a multi-person investment point of view, is an LLC still the best way to go?

Weather that's for swapping numbers to meeting in person for coffee.

We spoke with a lawyer who advised forming an LLC to purchase the home to protect our personal assets.

Buy the property in your personal name and get an umbrella insurance policy for protection.

Unfortunately due to personal reasons, I was not able to attend the event.