Jared,Take a look at these articles and I think you will be able to make a decision.http://www.themoneycommando.com/umbrella-policy-vs-llc-asset-protection-part-1/http://www.themoneycommando.com/umbrella-policy-vs-llc-asset-protection-part-2/ They dive into very detailed explanation as well as many risks/benefits & possible scenarios in which makes better financial sense.

., If that makes sense.

Do these numbers make sense or will I get a bigger dip in rent with a smaller communal space?

Do these numbers make sense or will I get a bigger dip in rent with a smaller communal space?

Or would it make more sense to buy the multifamily and re-sell for a profit and use those profits to buy my first rental?

This will give you and your agent a sense of direction as you'll have a clear sense of what your buying power is.

Dave, anyone can do it, in the sense that there are no licensing requirements (that I know of, anyway) to be a deal sponsor.  

This is an amazing process and makes so much sense, but I don't understand what happens directly after the contract is signed?

They're just a couple of tools that can sometimes make sense to use.

Johnny, My spidey senses tell me that if your company is big enough to offer a discount employee share purchase plan someone in the finance department or the IB that took them public made sure the shares have to vest for a nice LONG time.