Looking at your numbers, I wasn't clear how new the home was, so you might or might not have included enough for repairs but what I have found in my own portfolio is that when you get a few houses or buildings under your umbrella, you might have ONE that doesn't cash flow one year because you had to dump alot into it, but the others carry it, and the overall portfolio performs. 

for your situation, you definitely don't need LLC only for a multi unit, just get umbrella insurance to cover it.

. :)And between umbrella policy and liability for each property (with replacement cost, not current value), I hope I'm adequately insured.

Point is, payroll companies don't have insurance that will be the same as yours, they may have WC but don't necessarily need to have CGL, Excess, Umbrella, or Vehicle, so basically their advice is not solid enough.

For personal protection, you can also look into an umbrella insurance policy.

Now I have an umbrella insurance policy; if I have an LLC, can I just cancel the umbrella as I am more protected?

Our goals are mostly cash flow right now.I'm looking to learn more about different investment strategies, how to identify good properties, how other investors structure their asset protection (LLCs vs Trusts vs Umbrella Insurance) and stay updated on trends in the market.

With insurance on rentals carry a 2k deductible doing small claims is a path to higher rates or out right cancellation, I also have State Farm grab a umbrella too pennies on the dollar.

If you keep the rental in your own name you will need to change to a landlord policy you will also need a professional review of your primary policy and if you don't have a personal umbrella policy you'll need one of those too.

I was advised to just spend money on a good liability umbrella policy.