But also @Linda D. makes an extremely good point, in the mean time, stay extremely engaged in surrounding yourself with like minded REI individuals as this will continually remind you and motivate you to stay accountable to your WHY you are doing this. 

Like if now they pay an average of $50 in electric but I get panels and say I'll cover electric for an extra $25, that is a $25 decrease for them and possibly covers the added cost to me which over time gets paid off and an added benefit for new renters going forward.

That's what I did.You can hear more about my story on a podcast episode I did with Joe Fairless that goes more into detail.If you really want to go the extra mile with this concept, you can evaluate yourself with a free DISC assessment by Tony Robbins or some other personality assessment tool.Good luck...

do they charge any extras?

The only issue with the double close in my opinion is the extra closing cost and the need to use your own money even temporarily.

You might be able to use this method for individual projects, but it could make your taxes a nightmare at the end of the year, your best bet might even be excel.

Agree with the above in that taking direct payments requires an extra level of effort on your part.

I'm assuming the following should all be in the name of the LLC and not me as an individual: -contract with property manager-insurance policy on house-any utilities I continue to pay for (so, for instance, checks to the gardeners / pool guy should come from the LLC) Anything else I might be forgetting?

Looking to connect with other investors and like-minded individuals and grow my own network around NS as I look to get into RE Investing!

I have been looking for an individual with a great deal of integrity I could coordinate with or partner with as i am an out of state investor.