Cashflow through LLC or just hold property in personal name

[Mike B.]

When collecting cashflow and/or proceeds of a sale from an investment property (investment strategy probably doesn't matter) is there a significant difference in dispersing/collecting/receiving/using those funds, depending on how you hold title to the the property? LLC vs. personal name, vs trust, or other entity?

Is either way better, easier or more proper??

I understand when purchasing/titling properties and therefore holding or selling properties, in the name of your LLC, you create and operate a separate and distinct entity. So the funds earned in the LLC go toward funding the LLC rather than your personal car payment, lunch, toys for your kids, cable bill, etc.. However, you can make a disbursement to the the LLC members (including yourself). The sole-proprietor LLC will be pass through for tax purpose anyway at the end of the year. But if you title the property in your own name then all the funds can go directly to you each month...

What's the best way to handle this and ideally reap the benefits of the cashflow and sales proceeds but also the benefits of the LLC, if its even worth it....?

[Mike B.]

I have liquidated a few investment properties I had in my own name so now I only have my primary residence in my name and then one investment property out-of-state in my LLC name. I'm interested in buying a few more out-of-state properties that would be 2-4 plex.

What is the best way to collect and be able to use the cashflow when the properties are under the LLC? Just write checks to myself as "distributions" from my LLC business bank account?

I hear of plenty of investors living off their cashflow, but not sure if the funds are passing through an LLC in some manner r the properties are just held in their own name...