My strategy incorporates asset protection measures like LLCs, specific trusts as well as professional property management to spread risk and ensure quality operations.As well as using tax codes to my benfiitSection 179, IRC Section 162, Cost Segregation and Bonus Depreciation and later 1031 them out for larger projects. 

If you have your business incorporated or at least a DBA Versium I've been told Versium is a solid choice for skiptracing. 

You get a Capitalization Rate (CAP Rate), which equals your annualized return by dividing the Net Operating Income (you had gross in your narrative) by the purchase price.

There is a narrative among real estate investors that they can go it alone and just need someone to do the paperwork when it comes to negotiating deals.

According to the telephone operator it was snail mail only for Articles of Incorporation. 

And Melissa- that was my next question- where to incorporate the LLC. 

Look at the articles of incorporation.  

On another note, just because your offer isn't close, as you said in your narrative, doesn't mean you're wrong with your offer price.

Bonus points if I can incorporate technology to streamline applications.

One thing to consider since you are a California resident investing is the compliance requirements for LLCs incorporated in California or operating as a foreign entity here - the rules here are different than most states.