As for the property structure, using an LLC offers liability protection, while a land trust provides privacy.

How can I protect myself?  

@Fabriel EbelConverting a multifamily apartment into condominiums in Beverly Hills is a detailed process that requires navigating city regulations and tenant protections.

Yet another reason, (albeit not in the top three) why all rental property should be in an LLC with a wife or child as a partner (even .1%) so as to file the Form 1065.Number 1 is liability protection, Number 2 is privacy, Number 3 is ease of transfer for estate planning, Number 4 is possible sale of the LLC to conceal sales price (also called drop and swap), Number 5 is having a single entity for financial reporting, Number 6 is brand identity.

There's actually a good chance your overall "cash out" with the HELOC will be higher (most banks will go up to 90% vs 80% is generally the highest a cash-out will do) albeit at a higher interest rate, but you can protect the original mortgage rate if its very low (2020/2021 rates).Also consider the flexibility of only pulling on the HELOC when you need it thereby keeping expenses down.

My goal is to avoid doble taxation, ability to write-off expenses, asset protection and avoiding probate.If anyone can help me with this or refer to an accountant who has experience with cross border real estate transaction, I'll be greatly obliged. 

If I protect my numbers, interest rates would have to be 3.5% or so in order for a 1% house to work (assuming 20% down), which means for $3000 rental revenue to work, the debt load would have to be about $235K at that interest rate (give or take with variable taxes and insurance numbers). 

This gives much better diversification protection across geographies, asset types, strategies, investment subclasses etc. versus putting all the eggs into one basket.The downside is that it's not for everyone, and a person has to be comfortable with turning over control to someone else.

If you are getting a loan no there is no way to protect yourself from crushing your credit or having a foreclosure against you if you are the borrower. 

A great agent will help walk you through the process from start to finish and the home inspector is there to protect you in regards to the condition of the home.