Looking for general advice in growing my real estate business

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Hi guys,

I started my real estate journey by saving a few hundred bucks per month and eventually buying a fixer upper for 18K.  This house was rehabbed, rented, then a mortgage taken. Through the use of credit cards and personal loans and retirement funds I was able to do the same again for a second property. Both are now rented and cashflowing.  Then I took a reverse mortgage on the first house to pay off debts for the second. Both properties are under my own name with umbrella insurance coverage. I’m now looking to save for the 3rd and eventually cash out refinance the 2nd property to buy the 4th. As the business grows im in search for advice .

This year I plan to own 4 properties in total. Currently I’m a sole prop (because personal CC’s and loans were used, along with personal mortgages). The rates are lower, and just starting off, it’s all I can come up with.

I plan on buying Property 3, and 4 this year through the use of a second mortgage (property 2), and a traditional mortgage for #3.

Generally speaking, what strategy should I take from here in terms of business structure, etc? Id like to ensure that these assets go to a family member should I pass and continue getting income. Obviously, its an answer for a lawyer, but when I approached one 2 years ago, he told me to focus on buying properties then come back once I have some.

Some have suggested getting a LLC and moving the properties to it, however, im worried about the mortgages getting affected some how. If I buy the house under the LLC, the "business"loan rates wont allow me to cash flow.

Looking for general advice, etc.

Note, I have no other assets as I’m a renter myself. All other assets have payable on death clauses. Eventually ill buy a house for myself (in 2018).

Thanks!