If you are so pressed about getting the benefits of a LLC, look into just getting an umbrella policy on your rentals instead.

Here is your list for Portlandia1. no need for umbrella  its the only place i have been where you can walk out side when its raining and not get wet. plus dead give away that your not a local2. 

I want to know, is there any possible way, to refinance all of my properties into an umbrella or portfolio type of loan, and use the equity across all of my properties to leverage into an apartment building?

we provide coffee/tea to every guest, and refresh linens per request, provide misc items like car brush/umbrella/battery, etc. 

For a military veteran who's a new investor looking to purchase their first multifamily property to house-hack, does it make more sense to just get an umbrella insurance policy with VA financing (since you have to purchase in your name) or create an LLC using any other type of financing? 

It’s possible, but walk into this with the assumption that a) it might not Be worth the hassle, get an umbrella insurance policy b) refinance all your properties first with a lender w/o a due on sale clause, then QCD them to your LLCA good umbrella policy can be a lot easier then transferring deeds, and can have the same protections. 

I've also read about umbrella policies but wasn't sure about the following:1) I don't have auto insurance (i don't drive), so wasn't sure if this would affect that.

And if this were the case, $25/month would not come close to compensating for the possible costs associated with a tenant's pet.Obviously there are ways to protect yourself from liability regardless of the source, like LLC status and a good umbrella insurance policy.

Cheaper when starting out to get an umbrella policy.

Look into umbrella insurance instead.