I typically like to purchase/place my properties into an LLC, but I realize this means commercial mortgages (higher rates, higher down payments). 

Typically this egress is going to be in the form of a casement window and/or door. 

There are agents selling properties (typically interpreted as a residential transaction) with the short term rental business attached (typically a commercial transaction).

I typically get out of work around 5:30 or so. 

My long-term rentals are typically a one-year lease.

I’m Leaning toward the helo because I can get  fixed rate for up to 60% LTV for 20 years and keep the 3% primary loan as a safeguard against falling rents, if that ever occurs. 

The difference is the principal gets reduced in the note vs it doesn’t on your asset but you will find that over 15-20 years you will put a good amount of $ in a rental and with a note it probably gets refinanced out in 5-10 years which typically bumps your returns higher

Typical repairs include: touch up paint, carpet cleaning, light bulb and filter changes etc.

I typically show  the apartment until I have a signed agreement/deposit in hand. 

In your experience, is that not a valid concern for a typical buy and hold rental scenario?