Protecting personal assets while investing in real estate

[Tim Hitchens]

I own (within an LLC) two rental properties outright (SFH's). I'd like to own 20 or more by using loans and equity from these properties as down-payments. My concern has always been that I don't want to lose my personal residence, savings, retirement, etc. if the market tanks, tenants move out, and/or I can't meet the payments. I understand the risk of losing the properties themselves within the LLC, and subsequently my investment there, but I don't want to risk everything I have personally.

Most banks I've dealt with seem unwilling to loan to an LLC without a personal guarantee (i.e. my home and assets). I've heard of "non-recourse loans", but can't find a bank willing to issue that. How does one structure the financing for multiple properties without risking personal assets?