In addition, the property after value add is likely to have initial cash flow and, if I am correct about the continuing rent appreciation, the cash flow will increase each year while my fixed financing is constant (a little variance due to escrow holding). 

In addition, LLC's are for asset protection and most people buying these types of properties really have very few assets to protect...

In addition, you will pay .80 or .85% on a monthly basis. 

In addition, these new furnaces are direct vented (they do not take combustion air from the conditioned space) and the natural gas ones do not require a chimney (which means that big source of heat loss can be stoppered or removed).If you are paying utilities, a new furnace will pay for itself.  

I'd also recommend to start reading books on MFH real estate investing and listen to other podcasts in addition to BP. 

If you need additional referrals, let me know.

Additionally I will be out of the country for several weeks in August.

We own 3 additional 2 acre lots on the Rio Grande where we would like to expand.  

I'm looking for guidance to the steps to take BEFORE I buy to ensure that I would be able to do those additions.

It is a single family home that I lovingly refer to as "The Cat Pee House" - as it turns out the cat pee was just the beginning of what was causing apotpourri of foul smells.