If you do it for no consideration, id est no gain or loss, there can be no tax consequences.

2) do most rehabbers re-fi properties in their own name?

It is difficult to refinance any other way. Most hard money lenders will not approve a loan unless they have a live human being who will sign personally. But what do I know? This King has not been to a bank for a mortgage since 1983.

3) I am putting together a mail out targeting private lenders so should I wait to see if I can come up with someone who will let me keep properties in the LLC's name?

You might/could accomplish that, as a pure equity-based loan with a "private" investor. Otherwise, remember CRA ##16: DO NOT BORROW from banks, insitutions or the government. The are NOT the solution. They are part of the problem.

The King