If you are looking for asset protection from liabilities arising from a potential lawsuit then you will want to strongly consider an LLC.

I'm wondering if, assuming the seller might consider an offer over ask price if it was a conventional loan, will I even be able to get a conventional loan given the circumstances? 

It just might be our market but sellers will not even consider an offer without a pre approval letter.

If you do have some money towards downpayment, perhaps you can consider an FHA loan (3.5% - 10%), but do check if the numbers work out for you.

Insurance would cover it, I would pay the deductible, and no assets would be lost.If you are in a an area like San Diego where people are more likely to sue, a judge is more likely to find you guilty, and the payout is likely to be higher, then you may consider an umbrella insurance policy.

I might consider an investment loan if the numbers still make sense.

Perhaps when my net worth approaches 8-figures, I'll consider an LLC or two or five.

@Ryan Thomas Based on your “quandary”, which I can relate to, I’d consider an interest-only HELOC.

If you have a significant number of assets to protect from the start, then you may want to consider an LLC.

If the pickings don't seem great, should we suck it up or consider an alternate course of action?