You won't be able to avoid the PA tax liability exposure as you'd still have PA source income no matter the structure.Even if you form a C Corp to avoid the exposure on your personal tax return, the C Corp would still have to file a PA tax return.

Install tankless water heaters in the other two units & cap/set the water heater to the biggest unit?

I've been BRRRing properties for 12 years, and seasoning is still my biggest frustration. 

The biggest advantage you will likely have is the ability to use the military's services for notary, that is ironically one of the big hurdles in my opinion doing real estate in the US from Japan. 

To scale you will need lots of lead sources. 

Do you list the realtor or wholesaler that sourced the deal for you?

I don't have access to the MLS so this seems to be a pretty good source but I'm wondering if anyone has experience using it to write letters and land deals on distressed or unwanted properties.

@Del Kirksey  Hey Del,  @Mark Ainley and @John Warren would be two good sources to connect with who are very knowledgeable about the Chicago area and might be able to help you out. 

You could contribute enough to get the match, let's say 4% from you and your employer (8% total contributions), but your 401k loses 6% one year, resulting in growth of only 2%.During a good year, maybe it grows by 16% (=8% investment gain on your 4% contribution and 4% match).Alternatively, you could keep the entire 401k account in cash (not invested in any securities) and let it grow at the matching rate, guaranteed like a CD.If you forecast out to retirement, based on what you plan to contribute, do you anticipate that your 401k will be your primary source of retirement income? 

Asset choice is by far the single biggest factor to long-term success.