. :')I'm curious if people do LLC and pay a higher interest rate, or do personal ownership and buy an ~$1MM umbrella policy to help protect.

Same if you are maxed out with your DTI currently, you can't take on more debt and qualify for a personal home.Now, keep in mind that interest rates are higher to slow down the economy.  

If you could provide a general overview or a step-by-step guide at a very high level—focusing on vacancy rates, capital reserve expenses, expense ratios, and any other crucial details—it would be greatly appreciated.

Look for recently rented units to get the most accurate picture.Rental listing websites: Utilize platforms like Zillow, Trulia, Craigs List, (In Utah, KSL), Facebook Marketplace, or Rentometer to search for comparable rentals and analyze rental trends.Local property management companies: Contact local property managers for their insights on current rental rates in your area.

You will more than likely get a higher rate then what you have now but its a simple short term loan that you can refinance in 12 months to lower the rate when rate drop next year (which they will).Use the cash for the DP but I would also advise taking out just a little more as a "What if factor" to cover any unforeseen issues or last minute repairs.

Lots of syndicators got into the business in 2018 and 2019 and simply got lucky when cap rates dropped from 7% to 4%. 

I'm considering my first investment purchase and was speaking with my lender and basically if done in my name vs the LLC would be 1% higher in interest rate.

After that I look at crime rate for the area.

The other thing to consider is that the interest rates will be higher when using dscr and in most cases a minimum of 20% down.

I would like dabble in Texas, but the high property taxes along with high mortgage rate make it difficult at the moment.