We are going to invest in very good neighborhoods and rent it to excellent credit history tenants.

Are they different for rental property vs personal?

And while grabbing an owner-occupied loan is typically a non-starter in a standard 1031 transaction, this is a mixed use property that does include a personal residence portion. 

And with you using one of the units as an office would not eliminate the fact that you are 'disqualified person'.

Does having an LLC simplify any of that vs doing it as part of my personal return?

If you have an LLC (or willing to open an LLC) and a decent credit score (or a cosigner who has the credit), you should be able to pull cash out of this rental / purchase another rental.

I've done this with my properties because I'm well known in my small town and don't want people to know what I own.LEGAL PROTECTION: By placing your assets in an LLC, you are legally separating them from your personal assets.

To further complicate the process, this demand notice must now be attempted to be personally delivered to the tenant two separate times, on two separate days, before it can be legally posted upon the property.

@Dan PaneaAt the bare minimum, you should do the following to make your bookkeeping easier:1 Dedicate one checking account and credit card exclusively to real estate.

Be happy to chat and share my personal experiences if you'd like.