You may find buying what might appear to be a lesser cash on cash return rental asset that's held long enough to take advantage of more efficient long term capital gains tax treatment, while paired with the benefits of the depreciation might yield a better after tax return than flipping a home.

I also want to be able to utilize the LLC to take advantage of the many tax codes an LLC offers. 

(we once paid $1800 to a big name plumber in town to replace 6in of plastic drainpipe under a stand alone tub). 3) We need better understanding of the legal structure (LLC) that we should have in place for our property, and also a tax advisor (CPA) to help with understanding deductions.

I left utilities on and visit the home and work out of it 2-3 times per week. 

But selling today might mean you get taxed on 100% of your Cap Gains.

Short term capital gains is your ordinary income tax rate and long-term capital gains where you hold the property a year or longer is considered long-term capital gains is in as taxed a lower rate.  

Buy or inherit and hold all their lives while working the properties for income.I've seen teachers, firemen, software engineers and all sorts of people utilize both strategies successfully.

Don't forget to factor in any shared expenses for the common areas, like maintenance or utilities, to get a more accurate picture.

At least I will build equity and have some tax advantages, or even pay a lower price as a result of the high interest rates.

Just trying to see best way to play the tax game.