While not required to be done by a listing agent, I think it is negligent, and self defeating, for them not do this themselves before listing a property.

That seems to defeat part of the purpose of the LLC. 

Additionally having $160K in dead equity you are going to be paying $2 for every $1 of cash flow which will defeat the purpose of owning a income property. 

If my name is on the mortgage and I'm making the payments and receiving the statements, etc. it seems that would seriously compromise my liability protection and defeat the whold purpose of transfering the deeds.

I could have each partner be responsible for getting financing, but that seems messy and defeats the purpose of just having investors contribute to the LLC.

Dwaine,I think its great that you are putting the property into a trust, however, the fact that you are naming your own company a trustee defeats the purpose of putting into the trust.

We would be able to get the loan in the name of an LLC, but they would make us sign personal garauntees (defeating the purpose of an LLC?)

Branson is growing leaps and bounds due to the new landing and I am watching for the river boat gambling boats within 5 yrs. ( yup, been defeated once but I bet they try again.)

As with everything else, if I get in over my head, I will concede defeat and call in an expert to finish what I started while I learn where I went wrong by watching them finish it up.

DO NOT record the Land Trust - that would defeat the purpose.