I buy them as an individual, which I suppose is retail.

People would be amazed if they knew the amount of individuals out that that carry fake ID's on them.  

4) Assuming I went with the above structure, do they checks for rent go to each LLC individually or #1?

I intend on purchasing investment properties each in their own individual LLC for legal protection so if something goes wrong in one, it won't effect the other.I also however want to build a brand, a face to this as an investment company to use on the Website, advertising, deals, ect.That said, if I create another LLC or SCorp, "XYZ Investments" that owns all of the LLCs (rental properties) is that wise to do?

Are better rates offered to individuals opposed to LLC's?

But it is more difficult (but not impossible) to separate the individual members.

If sold at $240 sqft *1840sqft= $441,600Sales price - all in price - sales commission (5%) = $441,600-$422,000-$22,080= -$480 (negative $480).As you can see, from this logic above, $250k should be absolute maximum amount any person (investor or individual) should pay, including myself.

For this reason I think an LLC or legal entity is going to be a challenge and we would like the tax benefits of individually having a mortgage and depreciation on a property.I was thinking each person could buy/finance their own property and get the tax benefits of individual ownership such as mortgage interest deduction and depreciation.

The only issue I had was the buyers agent bugging me continuously keeping me informed of the process - since individuals know nothing !!! 

Landlords cannot discriminate against protected classes of individuals.