It seems that a lease purchase with stipulations to make the buyer responsible for repairs would be more advantageous than renting because the property owner wouldn’t be responsible for any repairs, they get a bigger up front payment from the sale of the option (which will help with vacancies) and if the buyer exercises the option at the end that’s a win too.

I’d like to transfer them to an LLC however from what I understand if a property still carries a loan and title is transferred to an LLC the lender may exercise their right to require the loan be paid in full.

I will be retiring from my job soon (gotta love government employment) and will be taking a more active role in my properties than before and want to better organize what I have.  

It depends on their role.

As Jay explained, it's honestly not the end of the world if the IRS exercises the redemption right. 

It spelled out the terms of the purchase and a deadline for me to exercise it.

However, if you were to give them active roles in the business then you could do a partnership.

As I begin looking to retire from active duty in the next couple years and transition to the civilian sector, I see real estate playing a big role in my family's future. 

Clearly define who has what role and what financial and day to day responsibility each of you has. 

Or must I use TREC prom forms in all cases bc I’m an agent and the TRELA says I must ...regardless of my role as principal also?