For those who don't want the expense of transferring properties into an LLC and tax filings, typically I have seen then get the protection they want from an umbrella insurance policy. 

Use the EIN to open up a business checking account as well as open up a business line of credit.Third will be securing business/liability insurance, as well as purchasing an umbrella policy that will cover my personal assets just in case.Fourth will be opening a "merchant" account so that I can receive credit card payments.Finally, marketing my services and taking on clients.Sound about right?

If I were going at this solo I would be doing as your doing and using the better financing until it ran out after 10 deals and maintain a general liability and umbrella policy. 

Homeowners insurance plus $1m umbrella policy.  

If you go the personal name route make sure you get a large umbrella policy. 

So now I'm trying to figure out if I can operate my business model under the umbrella of a motel license. 

You have nothing in here for liability/umbrella coverage, airbnb and VRBO expenses.

I suppose this falls under the umbrella of "legal issues" but moderators pleas move this thread to the appropriate forum if there is a more relavent one.

This falls under the umbrella statement of, "you know what you know, and you don't know what you don't know". 

But what's never clear to me is, can an umbrella policy on my property be used to cover ANY lawsuit against my name?