Should I pull equity out before putting my property into an LLC?

[Christopher Cowell]

Good evening to you all. I am new to real estate investing and am looking for some guidance.

I have a SFH which I own free and clear. It is rented and I am wanting to transfer it into an LLC for asset/personal protection.

I would like to pull some equity out to update the property, when the current tenants vacate, as well as use the equity to purchase another rental property.

The question is should I pull the equity out now or transfer it into an LLC and pull the equity out then? I'm looking to see what i should do first. I would imagine it is harder to pull equity out of a property in an LLC. Am I mistaken? I appreciate any and all advice.