To LLC, or Not to LLC???

[Rick Stevens]

I'm in negotiations to buy my first real commercial property.  It's a mixed use building w\ 4 apartments upstairs and an restaurant / store front down stairs. I would plan to lease the restaurant space (no desire for another full time job). 

All the properties I've purchased thus far (SF and MF) were done with a DBA / sole proprietorship. But I'm really concerned about the potential liability risk I would have with this type of investment. The cash flow is there so I like the deal but want to be protected.

What is your suggestion? Form an LLC before finalizing an offer, or go w\ sole proprietor, or something else? Any help you can provide would be most welcome! Thank you