Growing Portfolio Question - New Member

[Seth M.]

My wife and I own 4 rental properties titled in our names. All were financed using 30 year banks loans with 20% down. 

2 were past residences (VA Beach and Southern MN), 2 were purchased as rentals (Northern MN). All are 3-4 bedroom single family homes.

We intend to purchase future properties in Northern MN, focusing on the student market. Purchase price range is $120k-$160k for the low maintenance 3-4 bedroom homes in the area.

With the sale of our primary residence in CA next summer we expect to have $140k to invest in additional rental property.

I'm looking for opinions regarding the following questions:

1) Better to pay cash for 1 home or 1/3 down on 3?

2) Knowing our current rentals are mortgaged under our names would it be smart to put new properties in a trust from the start or continue under our own name?

Additional notes - our current student rentals in the area consistently cash flow $350/month including all expenses. Not breathtaking based on the high purchase price (>$100k), but consistent with a strong tenant pool.

This is my first non-introductory post on BP. I'm a big fan of the BP podcast and am excited to join the forums!