I know with conventional financing at closing I'd take "control" of that property and be able to refinance after X amount of months.

They are of course in the business to close deals and we must assume that, that is precisely what they want to do. 

I'm all about that hustle until I'm in a position financially to know I can commit to paying someone good money to do a fantastic job doing it the way I want (subtext: I'm a super frugal control freak!)

Investing in a market where you have no knowledge, no control, thousands of miles away, that has less competition and less demand for properties (which is why they are cheaper and appear to cash flow more day one), and where you will be 100% reliant on strangers to make or break your investment for you, with the thought that will somehow be more profitable doesn't sound like a strategy worth pursuing at the moment.

I plan to enter into a deal using my Roth IRA funds which are invested in an LLC with checkbook control.

By deciding that you want to be a passive investor, you're fixing your RETURNS and have no control over TIME. 

I know this answer is not precise, but hopefully it helps frame the issue.

Debt is debt in any manner Leverage should be used in a controlled way So many posts on BP suggest 3.5 percent down processes to be homeowners but nobody advises on how much reserves are needed to deal with maintenance and vacancies.

We use Siamons International 025/326 concrobium mold control.

I always thought the plan was buy enough properties and then start your own PM Company, so you can hire someone to handle all the properties day to day issues but when push comes to shove you still have 100% control of them PLUS you keep all the PM fees.