If I choose to sell it in it's current LLC status, am I still able to be exempt from capital gains up to $250k (I'm a single person and it's also a single member LLC)?

The utilities would depend on if they are separately metered.

I know it's area-dependent but I'm curious what your metrics were for the property that you thought made it a good deal.

The main reason is that sellers prefer to cash out, get top dollar and separate themselves from the property at closing.That said, it IS possible in any market depending on the seller's motivation and desired timeline to sell.

Things will be different as it will not fall into the various STR rules depending on the state.I will also say that some systems won't work as well.

After you choose your tenant, tell the ones that are not chosen, that you have chosen someone else, if they ask you. 

For every payment they make on time, $150 goes towards the principal of they choose to buy.

You can still find acceptable deals depending upon your intended use of the property and how unloved of a property you are willing to purchase ... but they are further and further apart.  

With regard to point 2 it is very dependant on rental demand. 

Plenty of options but the major groups of financing include HML' PML, self financing, HELOC from your primary residence, going in with a partner where they provide funds and you provide the oversight / management, financing through a local lender (depending on your relationship, you might find a local bank that will finance a portion of the amount).