The LLC's are disregarded for the purposes of filing taxes and simply go onto Sch E of your tax return (if they're rentals - you didn't specify).  

This confirmed that the owners simply wanted out, and I turned out to be right.  

Simply sending someone an MLS email feed would not be enough for suing for procuring cause as it could never be proven that if not for you sending that, the person would never have known about the property.

If after you resell you still feel there is a moral issue simply send them a check.  

Deed of assumption-  IF your buyer get struck by lightening, you can simply record your deed that will transfer ownership back to you.2. 

He has simply said he will lend if we present a good deal, but has not given specifics about his expectations.

I like 5+ units simply because of the economies of scale that makes use of property manager more feasible, especially when you want to be hand off on the property management side.Himanshu

If it is simply personal preference then do what you like.  

We paid $250 for caulk the other day, something my husband could have done in 15 minutes simply because it was 3 thousand miles away.

I think residential is the easiest sector to get your feet wet, simply because the leasing is much more straightforward.