Out of all the properties I've owned I've never been the "landlord"...it's really a technical term that has stuck around for some reason...anyway, my position is always that I work for the company that owns the property...even though it's my sole or multiple member LLC...there's nothing wrong with holding property in your personal name...an LLC really doesn't offer that much protection anyway...I guess the point is to consider transferring title to your LLC...though there are some things to be aware of here. 

But you really should have a copy of the original lease to protect yourself. 

How an I protect my interests?

I came across a video that you can form an Manager Managed LLC (well call LLC A) in another states such as Delaware in order to be more anonymous when it comes to asset protection. 

But always dot your i's on your contract paperwork to protect your interest.

This offers the same protections of an LLC, but you can separate each asset into its own “child/member” LLC housed under the “parent” Series LLC filing.

As for liability, get rock-solid insurance to protect yourself.

We’re pretty religious about saving, so it’s more of a matter of what’s best for easy access to buy when ready versus interest rate growth/protection against inflation.

So I will need someone with tax and REI expertise in CA and TX.

IF not, what is the best way you'd recommend to create some asset protection here?