It’s a few blocks from the subway and the neighborhood is great (this is in NYC).  

You will still appear on most LLCs without additional steps being taken, but you can make the land trust appear anonymous with this strategy while getting access to the funding you are looking for.This isn't legal advice, just my opinion as a real estate investor.  

My understanding is that only licensed agents get access to the MLS is that right? 

I have the construction contacts and access to funds for the ground up construction (1 building at a time).   

There are a lot of fees associated with being an agent or broker - insurance, Association dues for access to MLS, etc so make sure you are doing enough deals to cover this As an agent you have to work for a broker and give a portion of commission to them, even for your own deals.As a broker, you need experience to become a broker. 

The equity on your personal residence is more accessible via Heloc than investment property.

A 1031 exchange would be a good idea if you're wanting to sell the first one because then you can access all of the equity. 

It would still be just as easily and safely accessible by the USPS and the neighbors, only 50ft down the road (and technically still on my property). 

(I used to teach in Oregon so have about $49,000 as a lump sum that I have access to now without penalty.)  

I’d have to see the actual block as that area is borderline.