I think it helps to think of both insurance and LLC's as components of a complete asset protection structure, as opposed to exclusive alternatives where getting once cancels the need for the other.

Rickey:A HELOC would work well if you are taking cash out of your primary residence.An alternative would be to get a portfolio loan against several of your rent properties to get the cash-out you need.  

I hate the idea of waiting 4 years to get started, but I’m not sure I have a good alternative without tying up my capital or landing in a negative cash flow position on something more “move-in-ready”.

Here are some alternative schooling options.

For a rational player to buy a home, it must be superior to other alternatives. 

Alternatively, you could offer to pay for an easement for the stair case from the neighbor.

Alternatively, can you find a cosigner to help you make it work while you're establishing yourself and making the move from "unemployed" to "self-employed"?

I understand the Biggerpockets push and those are very useful but an alternative you can check out too (don't shoot the messenger) iswww.houseflippingspreadsheet.c...Again just providing options, please don't ban me!

Also anyone know whats the alternative for skip tracing in Canada, how do i get the owners info?

This is a very profitable way to operate in the context of the Bay Area where there is a severe housing shortage and people have few alternatives.