So I'm in the midst of putting all my ducks in a row for a quasi RTW trip beginning in November...

Quick background: I'm an American currently residing in Australia, though as per 1 Nov I will be relinquishing my work / residence permit and will convert to a long-term tourist visa. I will be doing a big lap of AU for several months, after which I will ship my bike up to South Korea / Far East Russia for Vladivostok to Paris/London via Mongolia and Kazakhstan beginning in April (depending on my tolerance for extreme cold / discomfort ).

I've read that in order to obtain a Russian visa:

1. You need to apply in your country of nationality or residence

and 2. Your LOI will not be accepted more than 45 days out from the proposed visa start date

How do other folks go about obtaining Russian visas while on longer RTW adventures? Will I have to courier my passport to the USA in my case for someone to apply on my behalf, or will I be able to apply in the embassy / consulates across Australia? I can't imagine all the people out there who have traveled Russia have gone there max 45 days after starting their journeys, especially those who start out in e.g. Africa, South America, etc. I'd obviously prefer not to ship off my passport, but if it can't be done it can't be done.

Also, what's the status of obtaining 6 month multi-entry visas? I read somewhere that you used to need a previous Russian visa in order to get these, but am getting conflicting messages on whether it's still the rule.