Question on using equity in primary residence to invest

[Mary E Zimmer]

Hi!  I'm new to real estate investing, and was going to use a cash-out refinance of my primary residence to fund a rental property purchase.  However, doing this would mean that the rental property purchase would have no mortgage, and thus would be a bigger target for lawsuits.  Yet, I have heard one shouldn't just sit on the equity in one's primary residence and should use it instead.  I of course intend to get great insurance on the rental property, but even this might not be enough to protect from lawsuits.  I would really appreciate hearing other people's thoughts on this.