I did not want to through everyone under the bus under the umbrella of Lifestyles Unlimited inc.

For us, financing was much cheaper to  buy the house in our own names and then getting landlord insurance and/or umbrella policies was the better way to go.

...and yes, I have a couple of millions in my LLC general liability coverage and my umbrella. 98.6% Tort Claims with lanlord-tenants are settled out of courts.

Washington falls under that umbrella, IMO.  

* Can I get the properties under my own name and forgo the LLC, but still get business umbrella insurance that covers 10 properties?

Or...You could refinance into a loan product that allows it.You could leave it alone and get an umbrella liability policy to cover you from possible lawsuits. 

Matt, several CPAs I've spoken with have suggested at least starting with an umbrella policy to minimize risk.  

Does it make sense to start an LLC or just continue to own / buy under my name and pay for umbrella coverage.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.Account Closed having individual LLCs under the umbrella of a larger corporation sounds like a good approach.

Using separate LLCs will be an admin and logistical night mare, insurance costs will be higher as liability coverage becomes limited to one property rather than spread over all properties as an umbrella.