I also recommend the abc's of Real Estate in the Rich Dad series.  

There are state fees associated with using LLC's and from what I read, many investors won't do that due to prohibitive costs.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2009/03/25/series-llcs-real-estate-investing-primer-leap/

I no longer listen to the radio nor do I watch a lot of TV.

Have you read Rich Dad Poor Dad in the whole rich dad series there are many valuable books that will fast forward your real estate investing career.

Close before end of this month and we will include a 27" flat screen TV!

The properties each will be deeded to a Series LLC. 

Series LLC!

So, if you have no issue with paying higher interest rates, or has the ability to loan to your own LLC to purchase the properties, then LLCs or Series LLCs is the way to go.For now, I go with the 2nd best approach, which is to cover myself with Landlord and Umbrella policies. 

I’ve been reading a lot about retirement planning, and one of the books I read was a “Rich Dad, Poor Dad’s Guide to Retirement” (that may not be the exact title, but it was a RD, PD series).

You mean you can't just roll into town on your last tank of gas and become a highroller with the TV show and the fastest-growing real estate company in the state, like Armando LOL