New Small Multifamily Investor - Do I need to be an LLC?

[Emily Jones]

Hi My name is Emily and I'm newer on Bigger Pockets. My husband and I are looking to purchase our first small multifamily property in Illinois over the next two months so that we can house hack. 

We are pursuing financial independence through real estate investing, and I was wondering if it was best to set up our investments as a business, or if we should continue buying as individuals? Do any accountants have specific advice on the tax (or legal) advantages of being a sole prop. or LLC vs being an individual investor?