This is critical if you will self manage. 

I am looking at putting the funds raised into a self directed IRA that can be used to fund a startup to help with the tax burden.

I have two LOCs that I opened when I was working a typical w2 job and I still have them open despite that I switched full time self employment a few years ago.

You’ll find plenty of friendly, knowledgeable people willing to respond to your postsI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

@Craig ComstockLLC's can potentially provide tax relief by self-employment tax savings if selected to be taxed as an S-corp.However, be mindful that the tax savings comes with additional administrative tax burdens - S-corp tax return / payroll tax return.

I've owned distant rental homes for years, and have had mostly good success with local property managers. However in this case, I have a feeling finding a new manager is going to be difficult and so I'm wondering if t...

Additionally, self employed people get a lot more scrutiny as their information is difficult to verify and ability to collect on defaults is low. 

Here is my quick math for self managed.   45600 gross-4560 vacancy-2600 taxes-3000 insurance-4000 cap ex-2000 repairs29440 NOI, 9.2%Debt:80k down, 240 mortgage-15456 debt service 13984 cash, 17.4% ROI + debt pay down You could do a lot worse.

Will you self manage or use a PM? 

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.I really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides