For example, I am a little concerned about some aspects of the business cycle recovery and a potential for a double-dip so I lean toward the safest part of capital stack which is debt (or low-debt equity).

For our previous investment properties we used a home equity loan and cash to buy and paid it off in a few years. 

Coventional Loan

Or do the lenders require that I establish primary residence first, before getting an fha or a fannie mae loan for a primary? 

I'm employed with the Columbus Clippers and intend to utilize part of our housing stipend towards building equity in a property.

I am currently doing my homework on how to obtain a loan under an LLC for a property that I would like to buy and rent out.

Your work is worth a "dollar amount" to be credited towards equity.  

Well Marcus since its U and me on this thread. ( and I cant believe more BP members are not interested in learning about these types of investments)  but anyway here goes.The property was originally optioned from the land owner who bought it in the 50s for next to nothing in today's dollars..The company that had that option that started in about 2002 also optioned it for 5 mil or so with annual option payments ( they were a large SFR builder as in larger Regional builder). come 08 and well that builder was one of many in the PDX market that had way to much inventory and the banks called most of their loans and he lost MILLIONS and pocketed much fo the last draws and actually decamped to Cabo and bought a resort at Cerritos beach that is still there today.

Rest assured that you don't need to bring all cash to the table on a fix and flip and we can assist you in closing the loan.

This strategy aligns well with your desire to build equity quickly and transition to rentals.