I'd like to be ready to pull the trigger on this soon, but this strategy relies on good people being in place to pull it off.

Funny that you should mention that...your post just triggered my keyword alert for "Michigan," LOL!

If you put it in your name and then transfer to the LLC won't that trigger the Due-On-Sale clause?

Keep in mind you do run the risk of triggering the Due on Sale Clause of the mortgage if you do this.  

And most buyers were VERY leery of rehabbers in general; mostly because it's so uncommon there;-  The weather is harsh and the market price differentials between summer and winter are extreme. 

Consult with your tax advisor to ensure that you do not unintentionally trigger depreciation recapture. 

I have the resources to send out about 1000 yellow letters or 2000 postcards but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on the absentee landlords/owners lists because they are being pounded.I spoke with an out of state owner who happens to also be a RE Investor and he said he gets  4 or 5 letters a week!

They'd likely be a great resource for you and it's nice to have someone to give you a sanity check once in a while before you pull the trigger on a property. 

Sorry I sound harsh, but if you want to make money in business, you have to sacrifice something in the present in order to get a big payout in the future.

Also, it would give you a chance to network with some local flippers, or even potential rehabbers that can't pull the trigger because they don't have a contractor.