More specifically, I’ve been looking at 3 bedroom townhouses versus villas (word used loosely) in small developments.

What I often see being a mistake is people ordering a cost segregation study before speaking with their accountant to see if it would benefit them on their return.What a cost segregation study does is analyze a property further to identify assets that be classified with a shorter asset life than 27.5 or 39 years.The issue when getting an 'estimate' from a cost segregation study company is that they are not accountants(more specifically not your accountant).

I would first look at my personal lifestyle and see what I and the Misses could agree to on a 5yr plan for getting our personal spending as minimized, and budget regimented as possible, to create maximum net capital from our active working. 

Is there a particular site thats good for searching multi-family specific?

If you think they are dealing you need to make the late night visits uncomfortable by dealing with any specific lease violations regarding quiet hours.   

(This is a general statement not market specific) Condos have a lot more to deal with that TH/Apt, these two are pretty cut and dry compared to Condos. 

Is there any specific value - or downside/risks - to deeding the property to the LLC? 

Once you have this team in place, you should be able to invest in any market confidently.As for picking a specific market - I would go after one with an increasing job and population growth.

You’re trying to list a MTR and you didn’t list it in the only site specifically geared to MTR?

If I can help with any specific questions feel free to DM me anytime.