Personal Purchase vs LLC

[Terrence Bayly]

I am looking to purchase a buy and hold investment rowhome in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington DC. What are folk's recommendations for forming an LLC to buy the property vs. buying it in my name, keeping in mind rent control restrictions if owned by an LLC? My plan is to try to build a portfolio of 5 properties so unsure if I should create serial LLCs or keep them in my personal name as not to limit rent increases in a potentially gentrifying area. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.