I self-manage and because of the aggressive 15 year mortgage I take home just $450/mo which just goes into a savings account, so I don't split out repairs and vacancy. 

Working as a property manager I have developed a passion to be my own boss.

SE tax has been a given for self employed business owners such with sch c, S Corp, and partnership (including Llc's-disregarded to sch CS or otherwise) for God knows how long and is a fact of life.

As a "sole proprietor" you end end up paying self-employment taxes because you're both an employer and employee.

I'm originally from the southwest suburbs of Illinois and recently moved to San Francisco for my job as a software developer.

Developing an operating agreement for the LLC will help establish the basis of your business, including capital contributions (HELOC, Loan).

@Chris Mason is a broker who contributes substantially to the local BP ecosystem, I would suggest you reach out to him and see if he can help you.As a small bit of advice, I would suggest you expand your thinking about the order at which you buy your properties and the effects they may have on your future self. 

We self manage and as long as you do basic maintenance and screen tenants well it is not a big deal.

There are exceptions as some Turnkey outfits are not bad, but there is a difference for sure.I have two out of state "Turnkey-type" investments (one an individually owned property, same for the other except in a self-directed IRA).

Account ClosedThe self directed accounts are to good to mess up.