I understand the idea behind buying something new to me then renting out my current home.

Presumably, if you retire before you take Social Security, you will have a handful of low income years when you could then do Partial Roth conversions and convert those assets you presumably saved at a 22% or higher tax rate, and convert them in a lower income situation (12% or less). 

He told me to fill in an application that asked me personal questions, like goals, financial status etc and then have a call with one of his sales guys.

Where buyers/tenants can view dozens of properties in a day to screen out less desirables then schedule with a real agent to see the home in person!

The process involves deeding the property to a land trust and then assigning the beneficial interest of the trust to an LLC for asset protection purposes.2.

And then go back to the broker/lender once you are serious or have it under contract about the deal for exact rates and terms

The best approach is to set clear, written criteria, and then price the property at a rate that gets you enough applicants that you can find a few who meet your criteria reasonably quickly.

Quick question on those who have done seller financing:- Buying a 0.3 acre downtown fort lauderdale multi family, negotiated an around 1M price w lot of development rights, double lot. seller got it way back early 90s for pennies- got good credit 800+, w2 job etc put 40% down and mortgage bank offered 6.62% 30yr fixed (CF negative as this would make current rent roll not too much compared to the PITI)- property is in ok condition, needs 20-30k repairs which seller OKd, and all 3 tenants are month to month, pay bit under market but also ok- seller would like to do seller financing, interest only at 5.75%, 30yr amortization at 7yr balloon (CF would be positive) - id be paying some principal as well, just to grow some equity- buying this deal for the future development of the area (las olas, kushner broward crossing) so not really worried even if we overpay for it now, but never done creative finance as i always relied on a strong W2 job to get good loans but obv im used to 3% 30yr rates from covid times not this 6+ environment..Goal is to hold the property 3-5yrs, and then actually develop it or sell half the land / refinance, pull out HELOC if it appreciates.Questions:1) What does he know that i dont? 

Once you have that value then you can figure out whether the costs to redevelop are worth the effort.

Then, I would share with them how you manage properties and what your expectations are for them as well as you - essentially explaining how you work with people renting from you.