I understand that we need to trade up in value now to avoid a mortgage boot.

Welcome to BP Isaac I am in building trades and working my way out as well.

I'm in the process of looking for my first investment as well, and would love to trade ideas and just talk about what's out there.I'm also an agent, but I'm on BP more to learn and talk with other people from an investor's point of view, rather than promote myself.

In addition to my direct experience in RE sales, I have a strong analytical/financial mindset build upon by years of trading in the financial markets (still active), I have a growing web/technical skill set ("nathanielrand.me" or "43sanibel.estate" to provide examples), and a strong blend of creative problem solving established through years of hard knocks.

I do web and mobile app development and was hoping maybe I could trade my time doing some of that kind of work for a little guidance and helping getting started.Looking forward to hearing from you guys!

hold for productive use in business, trade, or for investment."  

I will make more money defending a DIY or non-lawyer LLC from a lawsuit than a properly formed LLC by an experienced LLC lawyer, because they don't focus on the asset protection tricks of the trade, and they typically do the bare minimum to get the Secretary of State to say "Voila, here's your LLC".

The liability protection you mentioned would be wiped, and tax consequences could be severe.

The leases we recently got from a new purchase state that they do not allow holdover tenancy, and the consequences (paying for extra days, paying for expedited cleaning, and the possibility of being taken to court to pay for the expenses of the incoming tenants) to discourage this.  

The only trades required to have licenses are electrical, mechanical and plumbing.