I want to get control of the properties, remodel and furnish, while protecting this investment.  

You’ll need a real estate attorney experienced in creative financing.Land Trusts for Extra Protection – Many investors in Illinois use a land trust to hold title when doing subject-to deals.

An LLC is useful for two things: anonymity and legal protection.

Protecting yourself in a sandwich lease isn't usually a problem. 

The process involves deeding the property to a land trust and then assigning the beneficial interest of the trust to an LLC for asset protection purposes.2.

A refinance into an LLC avoids this risk but typically requires a commercial loan with higher rates and stricter terms.If asset protection is the main goal, umbrella insurance may suffice without disrupting financing.

Moving your properties into one LLC will protect them, and I would put the LLC in a trust.

Not one single example, yet everyone pushes it like it's the ultimate protection policy.As stated above, the best protection is to follow the law, treat your tenants honestly, and document everything. 

Remodeling costs increase the property’s basis, while post-rental repairs are deductible expenses in the year incurred.An LLC isn’t necessary for a single rental but can provide liability protection as your portfolio grows.

Some of you may find this information helpful if you have assets that you want to protect from creditors and liabilities.