Stick around, read, learn, and contribute... and you will do great!

MLS...paid list price so seller would contribute to closing costs How did you finance this deal?

We could get a seller contribution for some closing cost help and be close!

That is the notion I am getting from your question.

As this will be a contributing factor as if you could get another 8-900 for your unit say that brings your profits to closer to $1k per month once you turn into a investment property.  

Or find out when one is being held in an area that you're interested in and travel to it.If you can meet someone who is doing well in Starkville, ask if you can contribute a certain dollar amount to be part of their next investment, and also do A LOT of free labor for them on the one property that you invest in.

Option #3 would be to simply use the CA LLC to take initial title and then contribute into whatever asset holding entity you choose after the fact. 

If you are thinking that the measurable benefit to you is that you are doing a good deed by removing a potential criminal threat to these neighbors I disagree with that notion as well.

I look forward to learning more, meeting other local investors in the area, contributing back to BP and jumping into the game!

So on a 100k property I'm looking at about 15k down plus closing and seller contributions up to 2% towards closing.