They can note when they sign that the stove is a 1970's electric top with rust therefore establishing they would not be required to buy a new Wolf gas stove if one of the burners fails. 

We want to go with a local financial institution to hopefully establish long-term relationship.

In the state of IL would a landlord be considered violating any tenant's rights by requesting established tenant(s) to undergo a new rental application process as if they're a prospective new tenant that will now determine if their lease will  or will not be renewed  with the possibility of forfeiting their security deposit?

You have several areas that show you're a real person and your credibility, most carrot sites (or any of the other options) lack that. 

I would like to create multiple LLCs to protect my properties.  Can anyone recommend good LLC attorneys(and economical) in Tampa area? From what I understand this law firm will also pose as official LLC representative...

If they ask their attorney for leads on agents or people who are good to work with, it would be advantageous to have established prior rapport with them.  

Newer sponsors that don't have an established base of investors might be incentivized to inflate their projections to attract investors. 

Within 3 to 6 months, you would have an established credit score. 

I would definitely consider partnering with someone to get the first deal under your belt and this will also establish some positive mortgage payment history.  

Once you establish your financial 'hurdles' it will become clear if the deal is worth pursuing.As far as how to buy creatively, it sounds to me like there isn't any equity to be financed to them.