However, there are tax benefits as well that come with owning real estate - your rental income should end up being tax free after taking all the deductions you are entitled to. 

It is more work, more time more effort doing it your way (honestly), although your way has obvious benefits as well.

I looked into this myself and looked at the benefits of using a custodian company.

Number 2 is don't poach other companies clients, if everyone is professional networking benefits all.

BP network what type of real estate property would benefit from being in an LLC? 

If I’m buying properties for long term buy and hold, and am buying quality properties with minimal/no rehab, and with little/no cashflow (buying for long term loan pay down, equity, and tax benefits), is it hard to get multiple mortgages?

While you are the trustee, everything you do should be an arms length transaction that should be benefiting solely the trust and not benefit you.

What are the benefits to small syndications besides the access to knowledge and funds?

You do pay for that in the long run with insurance, but there are benefits as well.I would hold on to both properties if they make financial sense. 

Nit sure if they could command the same rents as a srick or manufactured.Manufactured have about all the same benefits of traditional stick built but are generally faster to build and slightly cheaper.Stick built- most expensive but made from common materials, easier to appraise, but take longer to construct.